Taylor Swift speaks out after Vienna concert cancellations
Swift addresses terror plot and thanks authorities for ensuring safety
Taylor Swift broke her silence on the cancellation of her Vienna concerts due to a foiled terror plot. She expressed her devastation in an Instagram post on Wednesday, noting the cancellations filled her with fear and guilt as many fans had planned to attend. Swift thanked authorities, saying their actions ensured they were mourning concerts, not lives. She explained her delay in speaking out was to prioritise safety until the European leg of her Eras Tour concluded.
Swift emphasised she would not publicly address anything that might provoke those wishing to harm her fans. Her representatives remained silent after the cancellations, and her social media was inactive. Swift stated that in such situations, silence shows restraint, and her priority was completing the European tour safely, which they did.
Concert organiser Barracuda Music were responsible for the Vienna concert cancellation, which was set to begin on 8 August and run for three days. Arrests were made close to showtime, and authorities reported a 19-year-old suspect aimed to attack spectators outside the Ernst Happel Stadium using knives or homemade explosives, inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.
The suspect and a 17-year-old accomplice were detained on 6 August, with a third suspect, 18, arrested on 8 August. The 19-year-old’s lawyer described the allegations as exaggerated, accusing Austrian authorities of using the situation to gain new surveillance powers.
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Thousands of fans had travelled to Vienna for the shows. Swift also used her Instagram post to reflect on the end of the European tour, highlighting her five nights at London’s Wembley Stadium. She explained her decision to wait before speaking out was influenced by the need to protect nearly half a million attendees in London. She and her team worked closely with stadium staff and British authorities to ensure safety.
The London shows followed a tragic stabbing at a Swift-themed dance class in Southport, which left three young girls dead. Swift expressed her shock and sorrow over the attack, saying she struggled to convey her sympathies to the victims’ families. Reports indicated that Swift met with some survivors backstage in London.
Her record-breaking tour will resume in Miami in October after a brief hiatus.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports on Taylor Swift’s statement regarding the cancelled Vienna Eras Tour concerts due to a foiled terror plot, emphasizing her gratitude to fans for their understanding and stressing the importance of safety. (read more)
- KTVA reports Taylor Swift expresses devastation and gratitude following the cancellation of her Vienna shows due to a foiled terror attack plot, emphasizing the importance of safety and unity among fans. (read more)
- Variety reports that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shows in Vienna were canceled due to a foiled terrorist plot, leaving fans devastated and filled with fear. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why were Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna canceled?
They were canceled due to a foiled terror plot targeting the shows.
What did Taylor Swift say about the cancellations?
She expressed devastation and guilt, thanked authorities, and prioritized safety.
Why did Taylor Swift wait to comment on the Vienna cancellations?
She waited to prioritize safety and avoid provoking potential threats.
How did authorities prevent the attack on the Vienna concerts?
They arrested three suspects believed to be inspired by terrorist groups.
When does Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour resume?
The tour resumes in October in Miami.
