New Zealand

Lorde targetted by US religious group

16:48 pm on 19 March 2014

New Zealand singer Lorde is reaping one of the downsides of international success, becoming the target of an extreme religious group in America.

The 17-year-old star has used social media to say the Westboro Baptist Church is going to picket her show in Kansas City.

The church is known for campaigns such as 'God Hates Fags', and for picketing events including the funerals of soldiers killed in combat.

Its website says the world has elevated Lorde to the status of an idol but she doesn't have enough sense to put in a thimble.

Lorde has tweeted encouraging fans to wear rainbow clothing to the show.