Ariana Grande 'Broken' After Manchester Terror Attack, Suspends Tour
Ariana Grande has broken her silence and suspended her “Dangerous Woman World Tour” in the wake of the tragic explosion that left 22 people dead and 59 others injured following her concert in Manchester, England on Monday (May 22).
Taking to Twitter, the multi-platinum singer said she was speechless following the harrowing incident, which is being called the deadliest terror attack on British soil since the 2005 London bombings. “broken,” she tweeted. “from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.”
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/866849021519966208
Mourning the lives lost and those harmed by the explosion, Grande’s camp issued a statement to Billboard. “Tonight, our hearts are broken,” read the statement. “Words cannot express our sorrow for the victims and families harmed in this senseless attack. We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act.”
They also offered gratitude to those who provided emergency services and assistance in the arena after the explosion was reported: “We are thankful for the selfless service tonight of Manchester’s first responders who rushed towards danger to help save lives. We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.”
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins called this “the most horrific incident” that GM has had to face. “Families and many young people were out to enjoy a concert at the Manchester Arena and have lost their lives,” he added. “Our thoughts are with those 22 victims that we know have died, the 59 people who have been injured, and their loved ones.”
Latest statement on incident at Manchester Arena @CCIanHopkins pic.twitter.com/LDG1wgX2sT
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 23, 2017
At approximately 10:33 p.m., GM Police received reports of a possible explosion at Manchester Arena, where Grande’s concert had just ended. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack and police believe that the attacker — who was carrying an improvised explosive device — died on the scene. An investigation is underway.
Grande was slated to continue her tour in London on Thursday, but TMZ reports that the trek is now on hold indefinitely. The camp will reportedly reevaluate the touring schedule once she’s “emotionally ready” to do so.
Fans and fellow celebrities have been reacting to the horrifying incident on social media. Rihanna tweeted: “#Manchester has always been so close to my heart! These are innocent vulnerable kids, this could’ve been any of us! I’m devastated!”
#Manchester has always been so close to my heart! These are innocent vulnerable kids, this could've been any of us! I'm devastated!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 23, 2017
Praying for the beautiful souls we lost, their families and loved ones, for the survivors who will forever be impacted by this #Manchester
— Rihanna (@rihanna) May 23, 2017
Meanwhile, Drake added: “We just left from touring in Europe and this was such a real fear we discussed frequently. I was crushed today to hear it became a reality. My condolences to all of the families affected and we will be praying for all of Manchester. Also I am praying on peace of mind for Ariana.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUbdK9PD8Yr/