Celebrities voice horror, heartache at UK concert attack

 

LONDON: The suicide bombing at a concert by Ariana Grande in Britain that killed 22 people, including children, sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from pop stars and other celebrities around the world.

Here are some of the reactions:

Ariana Grande

The US pop star, who had just finished performing at an arena in the northwestern English city of Manchester, when the bomb exploded, tweeted that she was "broken" by the attack.

"From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don´t have words," the 23-year-old, who is popular with teenagers and pre-teens, wrote on her Twitter account, which has more than 45 million followers.

Grande´s manager, Scooter Braun, who also represents Justin Bieber, published a longer statement on Twitter.

"We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act," the sombre black and white picture statement read. "We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers."

Nicki Minaj

The US rapper, who collaborated with Grande on hits "Bang Bang" and "Side to Side" tweeted: "My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the U.K. Innocent lives lost. I´m so sorry to hear this."

Taylor Swift

The US pop princess, a friend of Grande, tweeted: "My thoughts, prayers and tears for all those affected by the Manchester tragedy tonight. I´m sending all my love."

Katy Perry

The US pop superstar, also a friend of Grande, tweeted: "Broken hearted for the families tonight. Broken hearted for Ari. Broken hearted for the state of this world."

Liam Gallagher

The Oasis rocker, a Manchester native, tweeted: "In total shock and absolutely devastated about what´s gone down in MANCHESTER sending Love and Light to all the families involved LG x".

David Beckham

The former star of the Manchester United football team expressed his condolences via an Instagram message: "Heartbreaking news from Manchester. As a father & a human what has happened truly saddens me. My thoughts are with all of those that have been affected by this tragedy."

Cristiano Ronaldo

"So sad to hear the news from Manchester. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims," said the Portuguese star, who played for United.

Jose Mourinho

The Manchester United boss said the team was "all very sad about the tragic events last night, we can´t take out of our minds & hearts the victims & their families."

John Legend

The US singer-songwriter, who collaborated with Grande on the soundtrack for "Beauty and the Beast", tweeted: "Sending love to the U.K., @arianaGrande and all of her supporters who were caught up in this awful attack. Heartbreaking."

Sabrina Carpenter

Up and coming American popstar Sabrina Carpenter, who recently played in Manchester with British pop rockers The Vamps, expressed her shock. "Just played Manchester.. crazy.. really don´t have words. I´m so sorry. should be a safe place. :( Thinking of all those affected," she tweeted.

Johnny Marr

The former guitarist for Manchester rock band The Smiths tweeted: "Manchester stands together."

James Corden

The British comedian, presenting "The Late Late Show" on the US television network CBS, said: "It shocks me every time we hear this sort of news, that attacks like this can happen, but especially when there will be so many children at this concert tonight.

"Many of you won´t have been to Manchester, but you will definitely have heard of it," he told US viewers.

"It´s famous all over the world for so many wonderful things - great football teams, Man City, Man United" and for "incredible music - Oasis and Joy Division."

Harry Styles

The British pop star, a member of the One Direction boy band, tweeted: "I´m heartbroken over what happened in Manchester tonight. Sending love to everyone involved."

Christina Aguilera

The US singer-songwriter tweeted: "Devastated by the news of what happened in Manchester at @arianagrande´s concert. Sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone affected.

Cher

The US pop legend tweeted: "My prayers go out to people of Manchester... had special times there from youth and beyond."