On Monday night, a bombing killed 22 people as an Ariana Grande concert ended in Manchester. A global outpouring of grief has followed the tragedy, with many taking to social media to post tributes and stand in solidarity with the victims and their loved ones. In the wake of the violence, Boricua-Italian rapper BIA, an opener on Grande’s Dangerous Woman tour, issued a statement expressing her concern.
“My heart is heavy today as I extend my prayers to the children and families affected by last nights horrible tragedy in Manchester,” she wrote. “We are sending our love to all of Manchester during this incredibly difficult time. We ask each one of you to join us in keeping all who are suffering in your thoughts and prayers.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUcO-ualxz6/?taken-by=bia
The explosion injured 59 people. According to The New York Times, the terrorist organization ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, though those reports remain unconfirmed.
BIA joined Ariana Grande for the European leg of the Dangerous Woman tour, which kicked off on May 8. It is unclear whether Grande and BIA will suspend or cancel future performances, as Billboard reports. Grande and her team are “focused now on the victims and haven’t assessed whether to play the remaining shows.”