Mick Jagger Pulls Out of Davos World Economic Forum Appearance

LONDON  - Rock legend Mick Jagger has dramatically pulled out of a planned appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, claiming that he was being used as “a political football.”

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Jagger had agreed to joint British PM David Cameron – a Conservative – and Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson, at an event to promote British business at the Swiss resort gathering of the world’s economic and business elite.

The so-called “Great British Tea Party” event is aimed at boosting foreign investment into the U.K. ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, but the Rolling Stone frontman has pulled out, believing that the event was an attempt to pigeon-hole him as a Conservative party supporter.

“During my career I have always eschewed party politics and I came to Davos as a guest because I thought it would be stimulating and I have always been interested in economics and world events,” he said in a statement.

“I now find myself being used as a political football and there has been a lot of comment about my political allegiances which are inaccurate. I think it is best I decline the invitation to the key event and curtail my visit.”

Jagger had been expected to joint British talent including actress and model Lily Cole at the high profile conference.

Neither Downing Street nor the office of London Mayor Boris Johnson returned calls, but Jagger’s high-profile exit is likely to cause embarrassment in political and business circles.

Unnamed political sources quoted in The Independent claimed that the event had been intended to be non-political.

“At no point was there ever any suggestion that Sir Mick was a Conservative. He understandably wishes to remain apolitical. This is not a political event it is simply an event that promotes British creativity,” the paper reported.