Ariana Grande has responded to backlash over being announced as the headline act of Manchester Pride 2019.
The American singer, who is preparing to return to the city for the coveted gig two years on from the 2017 terrorist attack, swiftly responded to a tweet from a fan who wasn’t happy that she had supposedly ‘doubled the price of tickets to exploit the LGBT community’.
Also addressing the fans’ concern that a straight performer would be headlining the event, Ariana noted that she wasn’t trying to be the ‘hero’ or ‘face’ of the community, but simply wanted to celebrate and support the LGBTQ movement.
‘I wanted to chime in’: Ariana Grande, 25, has responded to backlash over being announced as the headline act of Manchester Pride 2019
The concerned fan tweeted: ‘Idk …. ariana headlining pride when she’s straight (as far as we’re all aware) …. and doubling the price of tickets …. kinda smells like exploitation of the lgbt community to me …..’
Ariana responded: ‘I saw many people discussing this so i wanted to chime in…. hope that’s okay.’
She then offered her thoughts in an accompanying note: ‘I have nothing to do with ticket pricing – Manchester pride sets those rates, and they’re mostly out of my control. The LGBTQ community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career
‘The relationships I have with my LGBTQ fans, friends, and family make me so so happy.
‘I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me. And also I wanna visit a city that means so much to me,” she added.
‘Exploitation’: The singer, who is preparing to return to the city for the coveted gig two years on from the 2017 terrorist attack, responded to a fan who wasn’t happy that she had ‘doubled the price of tickets to exploit the LGBT community’
‘I want to support’: Addressing the fans’ concern that a straight performer would be headlining the event, Ariana noted that she wasn’t trying to be the ‘hero’ or ‘face’ of the community
‘LGBTQ representation is incredibly important, and I’m always proud to share the stage with artists LGBTQ artists!
‘Over the years, Pride events have been headlined by performers and artists of all sexual orientations and genders, including straight allies like Cher and Kylie Minogue.’
‘I do think there’s room for us to talk about these issues without equating a performance *for* an LGBTQ audience with exploitation of the LGBTQ community.
‘If you truly feel like I didn’t deserve to be offered this spot, I respect that. but I did accept it excitedly and gratefully.
‘I’m not claiming to be the hero of the community or the face of the LGBTQ rights movement – I just wanna put on a show that makes my LGBTQ fans feel special and celebrated and supported. That’s all I wanna do.’
Ariana continued in her response: ‘If you truly feel like I didn’t deserve to be offered this spot, I respect that. but I did accept it excitedly and gratefully’
Next venture: According to the BBC, Ariana will perform at a new 9,000-capacity outdoor venue, which is situated at an old railway depot on Sunday August 25
According to the BBC, Ariana will perform at a new 9,000-capacity outdoor venue, which is situated at an old railway depot on Sunday August 25.
The star first returned to Manchester to headline the One Love gig in June 2017, two weeks after 22 people died and hundreds were injured in a suicide attack at her Manchester Arena show.
The gig aimed to raise funds for the families of victims of the terror attack.
Ariana made the brave decision to return to the city for the benefit concert, which raised more than £17 million, and saw the entire audience that attended her previous show in attendance.
The concert saw all manner of stars take to the stage at the Old Trafford cricket ground, including Coldplay, Katy Perry, Liam Gallagher, Justin Bieber and Robbie Williams.
Emotional: The star first returned to Manchester to headline the One Love gig in June 2017, two weeks after 22 people died and hundreds were injured in a suicide attack at her Manchester Arena show
The singer will return to headline the LGBT+ event, while on a break from her Sweetener tour.
Manchester is no doubt dear to Ariana’s heart and last June, she was offered an honorary citizenship of Manchester by the city council.
Ariana has had a lot to deal with – she was left heartbroken when her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller was found dead last September following an accidental drug overdose.
And two months after that, she split from her fiancé Pete Davidson, who faced his own personal demons.
Lost love: Her past love Mac Miller died September 7 from a drugs overdose at the age of 26. The pair had dated for almost two years, (pictured together in March 2018)
On a professional level, Ariana is riding high – her album, Thank U, Next is number one and her two singles Thank U, Next and Seven Rings are at the top of the charts.
She told fans in Manchester in December that she would be returning, saying: ‘We are of course coming and we love you.’
A source previously told The Sun: ‘Manchester holds a very special place in Ariana’s heart and she’s made it clear she wants to do whatever she can for the city.
‘She was in talks to perform at Manchester Pride this year but unfortunately they just could not make it work due to various reasons down to space and security.
‘It is going to be really special if it does work out, particularly given how much Ariana means to everyone in the city.’
Over: Ariana went on to date SNL’s Pete Davidson, getting engaged just two months after her breakup with Mac. She called off their engagement in October just weeks after Mac’s death
