Trisha Yearwood cancels SeaWorld appearance

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Trisha Yearwood is the latest musical act to pull out of the Bands, Brew and BBQ event to take place at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla., in February, TMZ reported.

Willie Nelson, Barenaked Ladies, Cheap Trick and Heart have already canceled scheduled appearances at the maritime theme park after seeing "Blackfish," a CNN documentary that alleges killer whales are abused at the park. Joan Jett has also requested the tourist attraction not use her music in any of its animal shows.

TMZ said Yearwood hasn't seen "Blackfish," but is aware of the controversy and wants to distance herself from it.

The singer has not yet issued a statement on her withdrawal.

Change.org said the news came after 5,600 people signed a petition on its website urging her not to perform at SeaWorld.

The website said the petition was started by one of Yearwood's fans, Stephanie Wireman of Lexington, Ky.