INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Nicki Minaj Sends Love To ‘Sister’ Ariana Grande, Shares Inspirational Message After Manchester Attack

By Max Cohen
Published on: 21:28 PST, May 23, 2017

In a video shared recently by TMZ, Nicki Minaj spoke about the devastating terrorist attack that occurred at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on Monday night.

Minaj, a friend of Grande’s and an occasional collaborator, expressed her solidarity with the pop-star and with the “people of the UK” in the wake of this tragic event.

“Ariana’s my sister,” Minaj said during the video. “I love her and I love the people of the UK, and I’m devastated by the news. It’s heartbreaking.”

Minaj, however, was not resigned to gloominess. She demonstrated a sense of optimism in the face of the news, and even had an inspirational message to share with the world. When the interviewer asked Minaj whether the Manchester bombing would lead her to cancel her own tours, or influence what venues she might play in the future, Nicki responded with a flat-out denial.

“No, because we don’t operate in fear,” she said, adding that doing so would only send the message that “[the terrorists] win.”

When the interviewer stated how he felt that was a powerful message, Minaj answered back, “I’m a powerful woman.”

Nicki Minaj was not the only celebrity who extended their love and support to Ariana Grande and those affected by the Manchester attack.

Dwayne Johnson sent out a tweet on Monday that read, “Our prayers and strength to the victims and their families involved in this tragedy in Manchester. Stay strong.”

Kesha tweeted, “praying for my old friend Ari- for her, her touring crew, her fans and their families i’m so sorry. My heart is with all of you.”

Miley Cyrus took to Instagram, writing that she would like to give Ariana Grande “a great big hug right now,” and expressing her “sincere condolences to anyone and everyone affected by this horrific attack.”

Cyrus also appeared on The Voice finale, where she performed a song in dedication to Grande and those who experienced the tragedy in Manchester.

The attack itself ultimately claimed the lives of 22 individuals, wounding over 50 more.

It took place at the end of the Grande concert, when attendees were starting to make their way home. The bomb was said to have gone off in the foyer of Manchester Arena—a venue that seats about 21,000 people. As Grande appeals largely to children and teens, many of those at the concert and among the affected were extremely young, with the youngest victim disclosed so far being Saffie-Rose Roussos, an eight-year-old girl.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the horrific crime, which authorities believe was perpetrated by a 22-year-old Manchester native named Salman Ramadan Abedi.

The UK is now on ‘critical’ alert, a threat level that suggests another attack may be imminent. Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the UK, explained the reason for why the threat level has been raised.

“The change in the threat level means that there will be additional resources and support made available to the police as they work to keep us all safe,” May said in a recent statement.

Meantime, the world has united in support of Manchester and the UK. The British flag has been projected on numerous landmarks in cities around the globe, while other famous sites, including the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building, have gone completely dark out of respect for the victims and their families.

Social media has also erupted in tributes to Manchester, Grande, and those involved in the incident. This outpouring of love and compassion has revealed the wonderful propensity that people have in coming together in times of tragedy.

Nicki Minaj likewise emphasized her commitment to the people of Manchester at the end of the TMZ video. When the interviewer asked her whether or not she has any future plans for performing in Manchester, Nicki replied in the affirmative.

“Of course I’m going to perform for my Manchester fans,” Minaj said. “They deserve it.”

[Featured Image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Share this article: Nicki Minaj Sends Love To ‘Sister’ Ariana Grande, Shares Inspirational Message After Manchester Attack
nicki minaj ariana grande
More from Inquisitr