Rihanna drops Lollapalooza appearance over Zika virus concerns

Los Angeles: R&B singer Rihanna has reportedly pulled out of the inaugural Lollapalooza Colombia festival in Bogota over concerns about contracting Zika virus.

The Barbadian beauty, 28, was scheduled to headline September's two-day music festival, but recently dropped out, leaving the show's organizers without sufficient time to find a suitable replacement, reported Us magazine.

"The organizers wish to express their deep appreciation to all the fans who supported the festival since day one, as well as the sponsors and the media partners," a statement (written in Spanish) on the official Lollapalooza Colombia.

The concert was also scheduled to feature performances from Lana Del Rey, Disclosure, Wiz Khalifa, The Chainsmokers and among others.

Lollapalooza which first started as an event in Chicago, has since expanded to other locations, including Brazil and Argentina, in recent years.

The September 17 and 18 festival in Colombia would have been the first in the country. Organizers said in Friday's statement that they hope to hold the event in Colombia in the future.