Ciara angers fans over shortened gig

Fans of R&B star Ciara were left outraged after the singer arrived late and cut her recent Christchurch, New Zealand gig short because of "technical difficulties".

The Goodies hitmaker was slated to perform at the University of Canterbury for 1,500 fans, but hit the stage 90 minutes late, according to multiple reports, and then walked off after a 10-minute set.

While it is not clear what caused the singer's delay, a representative for the University Students' Association said the star was forced to leave the stage due to a noise curfew.

Fans who waited hours for the singer to perform took to social media to express their outrage, with one user writing, "but u performed for, like, 8 minutes and didn't even show up to the meet n greet", while a university student told Radio New Zealand News, "You expect someone to perform a good set... You don’t expect to pay money to see someone perform five songs... It was a bit of a scam that she came on in the end at all."

Other concertgoers reportedly threw beer and soda cans onstage while the crowd booed Ciara after she walked off.

A representative from the touring company in charge of the concert has posted a statement on Facebook apologizing, adding, "The Event Team wish to apologize for the events which took place last night, although it was outside our control we are truly sorry.

"We, like you, are disappointed that the headline act was unable to perform as we had been assured they would from the booking agent. We want to reassure all Meet & Great (sic) ticket holders that you will receive a full refund. We are also happy to negotiate part refunds for other ticket holders."

As for Ciara, she did not apologize for the short gig, and suggested the hour-and-a-half delay was out of her control.

Taking to Twitter to briefly address the gig drama, she wrote, "I am so happy I got to see my fans in New Zealand for the first time! THANK YOU for rocking with me, despite the technical difficulties."