Ariana Grande has announced a benefit concert in the wake of the terror attack that killed 22 people and injured many more at her Manchester concert this week.
In a heartfelt letter on Friday (May 26), the pop superstar sent her love and prayers to the victims of the tragic bombing, many of whom were her young fans. “My heart, prayers and deepest condolences are with the victims of the Manchester Attack and their loved ones,” she wrote. “There is nothing I or anyone can do to take away the pain you are feeling or to make this better. However, I extend my hand and heart and everything I possibly can give to you and yours, should you want or need my help in any way.”
Speaking of the attack, Grande said she will not allow it to control the way that she lives her life and she encouraged fans to do the same. “We will never be able to understand why events like this take place because it is not in our nature, which is why we shouldn’t recoil,” she wrote. “We will not quit or operate in fear. We won’t let this divide us. We won’t let hate win.”
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/868164986887176192
In that spirit, Grande vowed to return to Manchester to host a benefit concert, which may feature some of her peers. “I’ll be returning to the incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with my fans and to have a benefit concert in honor of and to raise money for the victims and their families,” she added. “I want to thank my fellow musicians and friends for reaching out to be part of our expression of love for Manchester. I will have details to share with you as soon as everything is confirmed.”
Immediately following her statement, Grande tweeted a JustGiving link in an effort to raise money in support of families of those killed and injured at the concert. At press time, the crowd-funding page had raised over $2.1 million.
On Monday (May 22), an explosion erupted at the end of Grande’s “Dangerous Woman World Tour” stop in Manchester. Police confirmed 22 people dead and many others injured following the incident, which was called the deadliest terror attack on British soil since the 2005 London bombings.
Following the incident, Grande postponed the rest of her “Dangerous Woman World Tour.” Meanwhile, Mac Miller, Grande’s boyfriend, canceled his upcoming appearances at the Soundset and Sasquatch festivals.
“I will not be performing this weekend,” he tweeted. “Thank you for understanding. I’ll be back. Love always.”