Ariana Grande is facing death threats from ISIS extremists ahead of her planned return to Manchester later this year, RadarOnline.com has learned. One message seen by a security source said, “She needs to die,” along with other threats on encrypted forums.
Despite these threats, the 31-year-old singer is set to headline Manchester Pride on Sunday, August 25. This will be part of a short series of shows supporting her new album and the upcoming movie Wicked.
This will be her first time performing in Manchester since her benefit concert after the 2017 bombing at the Manchester Arena, which killed 22 people and injured over 130. Ariana has called that attack “the absolute worst of humanity.”
Sources say that threats targeting Ariana have been shared on the Telegram app, which is often used by extremist groups. The threats include plans to attack her performance. Security will be very tight at her shows.
A source said, “Security will be massive at this festival because of the dangers from extremists and these threats.”
They added, “ISIS and other jihadi groups want attention, and attacking Ariana Grande again would bring a lot of publicity. Since she’s performing at a gay festival—a group they hate—this makes the event a prime target.”
Manchester Pride organizers have set up a “ring of steel” security plan around the venue, an outdoor site that holds 9,000 people at an old railway depot. Attendees will face thorough bag checks and screening, with a big police presence expected.
Ariana was deeply affected by the Manchester bombing. Our insider said, “Ariana will listen closely to her security team about warning signs in the crowd. She would be devastated to learn about this plot.”
The bombing at her May 2017 concert was done by Salman Ramadan Abedi, a 22-year-old British Muslim of Libyan background. His brother Hashem Abedi was also charged with helping plan the attack and was extradited from Libya in 2019.
Since then, British security has been on high alert. Ariana returned to Manchester for the One Love Manchester benefit concert in June 2017 and was made an honorary citizen of the city. She hasn’t performed in the UK since 2019.
