Unfortunately, when artists agree to perform at major events, they often receive backlash from critics for many reasons. Well, this time Ariana Grande is getting heat for accepting an offer to perform at Manchester Pride.
That’s right, you guys. Ever since announcing that she will be headlining the event, haters have come out of the woodwork to point out that, not only is she not a member of the LGBTQ community, but that the price it costs for a ticket is straight up exploitation.
“idk …. ariana headlining pride when she’s straight (as far as we’re all aware) …. and doubling the price of tickets …. kinda smells like exploitation of the lgbt community to me …..” one person tweeted.
Of course, when the “Thank U, Next” songstress saw those assumptions being made against her, she felt it was only right to defend herself on social media. She began by explaining that the ticket prices are set by Manchester Pride, and that she has little or nothing to do with the cost.
i saw many people discussing this so i wanted to chime in…. hope that’s okay 🖤🌫 pic.twitter.com/7joiZwI1QS
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) February 27, 2019
“hi my love. i have nothing to do with ticket pricing — manchester pride sets those rates, and they’re mostly out of my control,” she said.
The 25-year-old pop star then went on to explain why she decided to perform at Manchester pride, and why the event and supporting the LGBTQ community means so much to her.
“the lgbtq community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career,” Ari wrote. “the relationships i have with my lgbtq fans, friends, and family make me so 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.”
As we all know, Manchester is the city where the terrorist attack occurred at her concert on May 22, 2017. As a result of the tragic attack, 23 people died, including the attacker, and 139 more suffered injuries. Around a month later, Ariana returned for her One Love Manchester Benefit in support of the victim’s families, and ever since those events, the city has held a special place in her heart.
The “God Is a Woman” singer also wanted to point out to the hater that, in the past, several straight allies have performed at pride events, and just because she may not identify as LGBTQ, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a ton of love for the community.
“Over the years, pride events have been headlined by performers and artists of all sexual orientations and genders,” she said. “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.”
After proving her point, Ari explained that it’s okay if people don’t think she deserves to perform, but still, she wants everyone to know that her intentions are pure and she just wants to make people feel loved and supported.
“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. i’m not claiming to be the hero of the community or the face of the lgbtq rights movement — i just wanna put on a show that makes my lgbtq fans feel special and celebrated and supported.”
Sure, ticket prices may be expensive, but at least her heart’s in the right place!
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