Pop star Guy Sebastian has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19, likely further delaying his evidence in the embezzlement trial of his former manager.
Sebastian was set to return to the stand on Thursday in the trial of Titus Emanuel Day, who is accused of stealing $900,000 from the singer, but the hearing was adjourned after Judge Peter Zahra suddenly fell ill.
Then in a social media post on Thursday afternoon, the Australian Idol winner said he was "absolutely gutted" by his positive test result and the impact it would have on his national tour, with shows in Cairns and Townsville next week having to be rescheduled.
"I am so sorry to disappoint my fans and I promise to do something even more special once I'm able to perform as a thank-you for your patience and understanding," he said.
Tour managing director Tim McGregor said next week's shows would be rescheduled and ticket holders would be notified shortly of the new dates.
"Touring in these times is certainly challenging," he said.
"We look forward to getting the show back on the road as soon as possible."
He said all other shows remained on schedule, with the national tour set to resume on the Gold Coast on May 13.
The 40-year-old performer's positive test result and the judge's unspecified illness means it is not clear when the court case will resume.
Mr Day, who managed the singer for a decade, has pleaded not guilty to 50 charges of fraudulent embezzling and 50 alternative charges of larceny or stealing.
Police allege the celebrity agent stole about $900,000 in royalties, ambassadorship and performance funds from Sebastian between 2013 and 2020.
On Wednesday, Crown prosecutor David Morters SC told the court there were "shortfalls" in the amount of money transferred to Sebastian, including hundreds of thousands of dollars he never received for supporting US superstar Taylor Swift on her Australian tour in December 2013.
The prosecution said in some instances no money was paid to Sebastian for his performances, such as his show for the British and Irish Lions rugby tour at Allianz Stadium in the same year.
Defence barrister Dominic Toomey SC on Wednesday told the jury "there is an answer to every one" of the charges Mr Day is facing.
He questioned whether police may have been influenced by Sebastian's fame as they investigated his client.
"You may wonder whether authorities or even police were wilfully blind ... seduced by Mr Sebastian's high profile," Mr Toomey told the court on Wednesday.
The trial will resume at a future unspecified date.
