Lady Gaga pulls out of Rock in Rio after being hospitalised

New York - Lady Gaga has been hospitalised and forced to pull out of the upcoming Rock in Rio music festival in Brazil, citing "severe physical pain" and posting a photo of what resembles an IV in her arm.

The 31-year-old singer-songwriter wrote on Twitter that she had to take care of her body and asked fans for their "grace and understanding".

Her representatives said in a statement on Thursday that Lady Gaga was suffering from "severe physical pain" that affected her ability to perform and that she was under the care of "expert medical professionals".

Brazil, I'm devastated that I'm not well enough to come to Rock In Rio. I would do anything 4 u but I have to take care of my body right now. I ask for your grace and understanding, and promise that I will come back and perform for you soon. ????I'm so sorry, and I love you so much. ??

A post shared by xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) on Sep 14, 2017 at 11:35am PDT

It wasn't clear what she was suffering from or where she was being treated. She posted a photo on Instagram of her arm with a needle in it and a tube running outside the photo's frame.

A post shared by xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) on Sep 14, 2017 at 12:02pm PDT

Rock in Rio, which starts on Friday, is to feature Maroon 5, Fergie, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N' Roses.

Earlier this month, Lady Gaga postponed a Montreal concert, citing laryngitis and a respiratory infection. She has previously said she suffers from chronic pain from fibromyalgia.

I was taken to the hospital, it is not simply hip pain or wear and tear from the road, I am in severe pain. But am in good hands w/ the very best doctors. Please don't forget my love for you. ?? Remember years ago when I tattooed Rio on my neck, the tattoo was written by children in the favelas. ????R??O You hold a special place in my heart I love you.

A post shared by xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) on Sep 14, 2017 at 12:17pm PDT