Jessica Mauboy Didn't Sing The National Anthem At The Melbourne Cup Because Of A Panic Attack

There has been a lot of speculation as to why Jessica Mauboy didn’t sing the national anthem at the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday; a scandal that we have taken to calling “shoe-gate”.

According to early reports, Mauboy was scheduled to sing the anthem but was replaced at the last minute when she declined to wear shoes provided by race sponsor Myer during the performance.

Mauboy’s management seemed to confirm the story when they said “issues over clothing and preparation” were to blame for her sudden cancellation. It all sounded suitably silly at the time.

The ARIA-winning singer has now broken her silence to reveal that it was a panic attack that caused her to walk away from the gig.

Speaking to News Ltd., Mauboy said it was the “bickering” over her shoes that incited the attack.

"Four minutes before I am about to be walked out from the green room, people on one side are bickering with people on another side and it started to suffocate me, it was crazy and I didn't know what to do," she said.

"All I could feel was all the bad energy coming from people, time stopped and I could see it all going on around me, I could see me stuck on the lounge and I'm thinking 'Why aren't you getting up and getting going?' It was really horrible."

According to the strict policy of the Victorian Racing Club, the exclusive rights of sponsors must come first in these situations. In the interview, Mauboy recalled someone “yelling about shoes” in the moments leading up to her attack.

"I couldn't believe it was this gig. I know how to do the big gigs. I've done Eurovision, sung in front of Oprah, sung in front of Obama and sang the national anthem at the NRL Grand Final just a few weeks ago," she added.

"But I didn't have a moment to refocus and pull myself back together and I am still in shock that it happened.”

Mauboy has reportedly met with a counsellor to develop coping techniques for anxiety and panic attacks in the future.

She also took to Facebook to thank fans for their concern and to share her apologies.

And so we lay “shoe-gate” to rest, with our support and encouragement going out to Ms. Mauboy.

Support is available for anyone who may feel overwhelmed. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

For more information on counselling and treatment plans you can contact your school’s health services as well as the following organisations and helplines:

Beyond Blue

Headspace