Ariana Grande responds to Manchester Pride headline backlash: ‘I want my LGBTQ fans to feel supported’

Pop star will perform in the city for the first time since her One Love Manchester benefit concert two years ago

Ariana Grande has responded to criticism over the announcement that she will headline Manchester Pride.

The pop star was revealed as one of the artists performing at this year’s event, in what will be her first show in the city since her One Love Manchester benefit concert two years ago.

Grande said she wanted to “chime in” after some fans expressed concern over a straight artist headlining the event.

She said that Pride events have been headlined by artists “of all sexual orientations and genders, including straight allies like Cher and Kylie Minogue”.

“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,” she said.

The singer added that she was 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. That’s all I wanna do,” she explained.

“And also I wanna visit a city that means so much to me,” she added.

Grande currently has both the number one and two spots on the UK Singles chart, and also the number one album, with her latest record Thank U, Next.

Manchester Pride takes place 23-26 August.