How Ariana Grande Quietly, Powerfully Remembered the Manchester Bombing on Its Anniversary
Yesterday was the second anniversary of the deadly terrorist bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. The explosion killed 22 people and wounded dozens of others, and since then it has had a profound impact on the singer-songwriter-actress. Last night, she took to social media to offer a quiet, powerful statement about the anniversary.
- To remember the Manchester bombing, Ariana Grande posted a tiny bee on her Instagram Stories.
- She also reposted her backup dancer's picture of the One Love Manchester concert; she's been open in the past about the impact of what happened, and the special place the city has in her heart.
- Earlier this year, Ariana shared a "terrifying" brain scan showing her PTSD from that event.
Yesterday was the second anniversary of the deadly terrorist bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. The explosion killed 22 people and wounded dozens of others, and has had a profound impact on the singer-songwriter-actress. Yesterday and then later in the evening, she took to social media to offer a quiet, powerful statement about the anniversary.
Earlier in the day she posted a photo of a bee—the worker bee is the symbol of Manchester. (Ariana also has a tattoo of a bee in memory of the city.) Later on, in a post that's no longer on her Instagram Stories, she re-posted her backup singer Scott Nicholson, who posted a picture of the One Love Manchester concert with the caption, "We love and live, everyday, with and for you 🐝💛."
Shortly after the bombing in June 2017, Ariana hosted One Love Manchester with guests including Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus, and raised $23 million for the victims and their families. In an interview with ELLE, she explained, "When I got home from tour, I had really wild dizzy spells, this feeling like I couldn’t breathe." She added, "I would be in a good mood, fine and happy, and they would hit me out of nowhere. I’ve always had anxiety, but it had never been physical before. There were a couple of months straight where I felt so upside down."
Ariana's mom Joan wrote on her Twitter yesterday, "All my love Manchester, today and everyday…you are with me always, in my heart and in my mind. To ALL of you who have suffered and still suffer from tremendous loss, trauma or devastating injury..I love you, I send you a warm hug, today and forever. #OneLove."
Ariana will be performing in August of this year at Manchester to headline their Pride Festival. She revealed the news in February, saying, "Manchester babes, i’m so thrilled to be headlining pride. my heart. I cant wait to see u and I love you so so much." When she'd announced her tour, she hinted that she had something special for the city—which now, obviously, holds a special place in her heart.
Here's her mom's tweet:
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
All my love Manchester, today and everyday... you are with me always, in my heart and in my mind. To ALL of you who have suffered and still suffer from tremendous loss, trauma or devastating injury.. I love you, I send you a warm hug, today and forever. #OneLoveMay 22, 2019
Here are the images from her Instagram Stories:
It's quiet, but powerful and beautiful.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
I Tried Biologique Recherche's Two-Hour Scalp Detox Treatment
Is the French-girl favorite worth the hype?
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Maternity Style Era Is Off to a Must-Shop Start
She knows what she likes—and how to wear it.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'The Lincoln Lawyer' Finale Teased A Game-Changing Cliffhanger—Will There Be a Season 4?
We're on the case of whether or not Mickey Haller and co. are coming back to Netflix.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Cynthia Erivo Reacts to "Offensive" Fan Edits of the 'Wicked' Poster: "It Degrades Me"
The actress was hurt by the fan art.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Calls Ariana Grande's 'Espresso' Rendition on SNL "Very Nice and on Pitch"
Spoiler alert: Ari did her utmost to be totally off-key.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Ariana Grande Reveals Exactly What Cosmetic Work She Has—And Hasn't—Had
She opened up while hooked to a lie detector.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Ariana Grande's Lie-Detector Answer to Moon Landing Question Is Going Viral
Inconclusive..?
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Ariana Grande Says "Negativity" About Ethan Slater Romance Was "Disappointing"
"There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published