“We Won’t Let Hate Win”: Ariana Grande Will Return To Manchester For Benefit Concert

Ariana Grande has released a lengthy, powerful statement on social media and confirmed she will return to Manchester for a benefit concert “in honor of and to raise money for” the victims of the fatal bombing at her Manchester gig this past week.

The statement comes two days after the pop star officially postponed her Dangerous Woman world tour, but it seems she won’t be staying away from the stage for long.

“We will not quit or operate in fear. We won’t let this divide us. We won’t let hate win,” Grande said.

“I don’t want to go the rest of the year without being able to see and hold and uplift my fans, the same way they continue to uplift me.

"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 ever did before.”

Grande also thanked her fans for ongoing support.

“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.

“I have been thinking of my fans, and of you all, non stop over the past week. The way you have handled all of this has been more inspiring and made me more proud than you’ll ever know.”

While details surrounding her Manchester benefit concert are still to be announced, Grande has promoted a crowdfunding campaign run by Manchester Evening News, which has currently raised £1,736,696.

The Manchester Arena bombing resulted in the death of 22 people and 59 more injuries. 

“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.

“We will continue in honor of the ones we lost, their loved ones, my fans and all affected by this tragedy.

“They will be on my mind and in my heart everyday and I will think of them with everything I do for the rest of my life.”

You can read the full statement here: