Cirque du Soleil will snub North Carolina after state law

NEW YORK (AP) — The Canadian-based circus company Cirque du Soleil is cancelling upcoming stops in North Carolina by two of its touring shows to protest a state law that limits anti-discrimination protections for the LGBT community.

The company said Friday that it will scrap plans for "Ovo" to play Greensboro from April 20-24 and Charlotte from July 6-10, and "Toruk The First Flight," which was scheduled to play Raleigh from June 22-26.

RELATED | North Carolina governor amends controversial HB2 with Executive Order

The company said in a statement that it "strongly believes in diversity and equality for every individual and is opposed to discrimination in any form."

Other artists who have recently cancelled North Carolina appearances include Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and Ani DiFranco. Cyndi Lauper and Louis C.K. have pledged to donate profits from their shows to Equality North Carolina.

RELATED | Bruce Springsteen cancels North Carolina show over controversial anti-LGBT law