In a lengthy statement, Ariana Grande has addressed the terrorist attack that took place at her concert earlier this week, honoring the victims, paying tribute to her fans, and writing, “we won’t let hate win.” Grande promised that she is planning to do a benefit concert in the city, though specific details have yet to be worked out. “Our response to this violence must be to come closer together, to help each other, to love more, to sing louder and to live more kindly and generously than we did before,” she wrote. “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.” You can read the full extent of her statement below, she also tweeted out a link to a donate to the British Red Cross.
Twenty-two people, including children, died and 59 were injured Monday when a suicide bomber targeted the Manchester Arena. Grande initially wrote on Twitter: ”broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.” The singer canceled a series of tour dates through the end of this month and the beginning of June.