American singer Ariana Grande said she is “broken” after a suicide terror attack hit a stadium in Manchester just as her concert ended, killing 22 persons including children, and has suspended her world tour in its wake. A string of showbiz celebrities from across the world condemned the attack.
Tmz.com quoted sources as saying that Grande will not perform at her scheduled performance at The O2 here on Thursday, and has decided for now to put the entire European tour on hold. She was scheduled to perform in England, Belgium, Poland, Germany and Switzerland.
“Broken from the bottom of my heart. I am so sorry. I don’t have words,” tweeted the 23-year-old Grammy nominated singer, known mostly for her pop music.
The singer’s manager Scooter Braun said in a statement posted on social media: “Tonight our hearts are broken. 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. We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.”
The explosion took place around 10.35 p.m. (local time) on Monday at the Manchester Arena where around 20,000 fans, mostly youngsters, had gathered.
The fans were streaming out of the arena, shortly after Grande had left the stage, as the explosion occurred.
No group or individual has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, but supporters of the Islamic State (IS) terror group were seen celebrating the blast on social media, the British media reported.
The attack has been widely condemned by political leaders as well as a string of film and music celebrities.
IANS