Ariana Grande turns down a dame hood for the saddest reason

Publish Date
Monday, 31 December 2018, 10:04AM

Ariana Grande has reportedly rejected a damehood, with the most sympathetic reasoning behind her decision.

The 25-year-old singer was offered the honour after she visited the victims of last year's Manchester bombing and for subsequently arranging a charity concert in the city.

But Grande has declined the offer in a show of respect for the grieving families.

A source told the Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Ariana was flattered but said it was too soon. She explained she was still grieving. So were scores of families.

"She feared some affected might see it as insensitive. The committee wrote to her but she politely said no."

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At the close of this European leg of my Dangerous Woman tour, I just wanted to thank you properly for the overwhelming love and support you’ve shown me, my crew, and each other during this challenging time. Spending this time with you this month has been so very healing and special! Thank you for being here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity in supporting One Love Manchester and for helping the families as much as you possibly could. Thank you for bringing your absolute brightest, most passionate, contagious energy to these shows and for wiping my tears away. ♡ I'm immensely grateful!!!! I hope you can feel my love, wherever you are because I'm sending you all that I've got. See you so soon. ♡ @alfredoflores @dangerouswomantour

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on

According to another source, Grande felt honoured to have been offered a damehood.
However, she also felt "it was not the right time to accept".

The insider shared: "She was deeply moved and honoured. She didn't decline it as such but explained it was not the right time to accept."

RELATED: Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus sing Kiwi song at One Love Manchester

The bombing occurred shortly after Grande had finished a gig at the Manchester Arena on May 22 last year.

The explosion caused 23 deaths and more than 500 injuries - and led to Grande arranging a televised benefit gig shortly afterwards.

In an interview, Grande admitted that the incident in Manchester had changed her approach to life, revealing she now feels scared to visit some places. 

"You want to not be afraid, because of course that's what [the terrorists] want. If you give them that, then they've won."

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