It’s been just over a year since the world was rocked by the tragic events of the despicable terrorist attack in Manchester on May 23, 2017.
Popstar sensation Ariana Grande had just finished her concert when a bomb was detonated in the foyer of the arena minutes later.
The explosion claimed the lives of 22 innocent individuals (the majority of which were children) while an additional 59 individuals were seriously injured.
While the terrible events of that fateful night deeply resonated with those in the music industry, more than a year later Grande has revealed to British Vogue that she is still suffering from the ongoing effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the deadly attack.
“It’s hard to talk about because so many people have suffered such severe, tremendous loss. But, yeah, it’s a real thing,” she says.
“I know those families and my fans, and everyone there experienced a tremendous amount of it as well,” the 24-year-old continues. “Time is the biggest thing. I feel like I shouldn’t even be talking about my own experience – like I shouldn’t even say anything.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever know how to talk about it and not cry.”
Days after the attack, Grande put on a brave face and returned to Manchester with her manager, Scooter Braun, to visit the families of those injured at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Braun said it was the “hardest two hours of either of our lives.”
Yet Ariana’s compassion, kindness, and generosity didn’t stop there. Grande and her team organised a benefit concert, ‘One Love Manchester,’ which raised over $13m for the families of victims and those injured.
Two days after the one year anniversary of the attack, the No Tears Left To Cry singer revealed a small bee tattoo – a symbol of the city of Manchester – in honour of the victims who lost their lives that night.
Earlier this year Ari released her first single since the bombings, No Tears Left To Cry, in which she concludes the video with a bee flying off into the distance.
