Ariana Grande Has Responded To People Saying She Shouldn’t Headline Manchester Pride

Ariana Grande is set to headline the Manchester Pride festival this August, and although lots of fans are delighted to see her return to Manchester, some are criticising the event organisers for their choice.

Some Pride goers are confused as to why a straight artist has been chosen to headline the event and accused the organisers of exploiting the LGBTQ community.

Before it was announced that Ariana was the headliner, ticket prices were apparently more affordable. Once she was put at the top of the lineup, reports say ticket prices immediately went up. The account that called attention to the ticket pricing and Ariana’s performance said it is a “weird/uncomfortable” situation but made sure to add that they’re not blaming Ariana.

She then went on to describe how important the community is to her by writing, “The LGBTQ community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career. The relationships I have with my 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.”

Ariana also noted how straight artists like Cher and Kylie Minogue have performed at Pride events and believes “there’s room for us to talk about these issues without equating a performance *for* an LGBTQ audience with exploitation of the LBGTQ community.”

Ariana’s headlining performance at Manchester Pride will mark her first concert in Manchester since One Love Manchester, her charity benefit show in June 2017 supporting the victims and families of those killed in the bombing at Grande’s Manchester concert two weeks prior.

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