It’s nothing but love from Ariana Grande! The songstress started receiving backlash from fans after it was announced that she is headlining during the Manchester Pride Festival in August. Some critics claimed that she was using her performance to exploit the LGBTQ+ community because she identifies as straight (as far as the public is aware) and the ticket prices for the event are so high.

“Hi, my love. I have nothing to do with ticket pricing — Manchester Pride sets those rates, and they’re mostly out of my control,” the singer, 25, began her lengthy message on Twitter addressing the negative response.

The Sweetener songbird wanted to make it clear that she fully supports this important sector of her fan base, no matter what her orientation is. She continued, “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 so happy. I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me.”

Ariana Grande New York City Pride 2015 - Dance On The Pier
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Ariana Grande performing during New York City Pride.

“I wanna visit a city that means so much to me,” the brunette beauty added to acknowledge her important relationship with the town after the tragic bombing outside her show in 2017. “LGBTQ representation is incredibly important and I’m always proud to share the stage with LGBTQ artists! Over the years, pride events have been headlined by performers and artists of all sexual orientations and genders, including straight allies like Cher and Kylie Minogue.”

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However, the Grammy winner is always down for an open discussion. “I do think there’s room for us to talk about these issues without equating a performance *for* an LGBTQ audience with exploitation of the LGBTQ community. 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 ended her heartfelt message by saying, “I’m not claiming to be the hero of the community of 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.”

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