Ariana Grande announces benefit concert for Manchester victims

Ariana Grande has released a statement addressing the terrorist attack which targeted her concert on Monday

The statement, which was posted on Twitter, expressed that her “heart, prayers and deepest condolences are with the victims of the Manchester Attack and their loved ones.”

The attack, which happened at the end of her concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday, left 22 dead and countless injured.

She said: “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. The only thing we can do now is choose how we let this affect us and how we live our lives from here on out.”

Grande also praised the way that her fans have dealt with the tragedy. “The compassion, kindness, love, strength and oneness that you’ve shown one another this past week is the exact opposite of the heinous intentions it must take to pull off something as evil as what happened Monday,” she wrote. “You are the opposite.”

The US popstar, who has cancelled several concerts in light of Monday’s events, says that she will be returning to Manchester, calling it an “incredibly brave city” and detailing plans for a benefit concert.

She said: “I’ll be returning to the incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with my fans and to have a benefit concert in honour of and to raise money for the victims and their families. I want to thank my fellow musicians and friends for reaching out to be a part of our expression of love for Manchester. I will have details to share with you as soon as everything is confirmed.”

You can read the full statement below.