Taylor Swift has opened up about the tremendous impact the foiled terrorist plot by two suspects at her Vienna shows has had on her.
The confirmed threat forced three shows on the European leg of The Eras Tour to cancel 24 hours out from when the singer was set to take the stage early August.
Addressing the incident weeks later in a social media post today, Swift said the cancellation was devastating.
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“The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows,” she said.
“But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives.
“I was heartened by the love and unity I saw in the fans who banded together.”
Following the cancellations, Swifties gathered in Vienna to sing, hand out friendship bracelets and support one another on the three days the shows were meant to play.
Meanwhile, a 17-year-old man and a 19-year-old man were arrested for allegedly planning the terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium.
Authorities believe the pair were inspired by the Islamic State group.
Police have arrested a third man, an 18-year-old Iraqi national, in connection with their investigation.
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Swift said she diverted her energy to helping protect her fans attending her shows in London, which almost half a million people were set to attend.
“My team and I worked hand in hand with stadium staff and British authorities every day in pursuit of that goal, and I want to thank them for everything they did for us,” she said.
“Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows.
“In cases like this one, ‘silence’ is actually showing restraint, and waiting to express yourself at a time when it’s right to.
“My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that.”
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Swift thanked the passionate and energetic crowds that attended her European shows as she wrapped up that leg of her tour.
The global sensation and her team will go on break to “take a much needed rest” before The Eras Tour will resume in October.
“Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime. May it continue,” she said.
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