Since news broke that Ariana Grande would be making an emotional return to Manchester to perform at the Pride Festival on August 25, the reaction has been mixed.
While some are excited that she’ll be headlining the U.K event, others have expressed outrage, accusing the ‘thank u, next’ singer of exploiting the LGBTQ community.
“Ariana Grande headlining Manchester pride is a big kick in the face to LGBT artists,” one user wrote, with another adding, “Manchester Pride is about supporting the community – it’s not an Ariana Grande concert.”
Considering her notoriety and enormous fan base, other users have blamed Grande for the increase in this year’s ticket prices.
“It’s just sad because so many people can’t afford it now or won’t be able t get tickets because they’ll all be sold out,” one person tweeted. “Ariana Grande headlining Manchester Pride and then Pride subsequently charging £75 a ticket is exactly why rainbow capitalism needs to go die in a ditch,” another added.
Now, the pop star has hit back and set the record straight.
“I have nothing to do with ticket pricing — manchester pride sets those rates, and they’re mostly out of my control,” Grande began.
“The lgbtq community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my career. the relationships i have with lgbtq fans, friends, and family make me so happy. i want to celebrate and support this community regardless of my identity or how people label me. and also i wanna visit a city that means so much to me. lgbtq representation is incredibly important, and i’m always proud to share that stage with lgbtq artists!.”
Her note continued: “over the years, pride events have been headlined by performers and artists of all sexual orientations and genders, including straight allies like cher and kylie minogue. i do think there’s room for us to talk about these issues without equating a performance *for* an lgbtq audience with exploitation of the lgbtq community. if you truly feel like i didn’t deserve to be offered this spot, i respect that. but i did accept it excitedly and gratefully.”
She concluded the heartfelt note saying, “i’m not claiming to be the hero of the lgbtq rights movement — i just wanna put on a show that makes my lgbtq fans feel special and celebrated and supported. that’s all i wanna do.”
The show will mark Grande’s first return to the city since she organised the One Love Manchester benefit concert in honour of those whose lives were lost in the tragic bombing.
While you’re here: Take a look at Grande’s most recent performance
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