Ariana Grande’s brother Frankie speaks out about Manchester bombing
Ariane Grande’s brother Frankie has spoken for the first time about about last week’s deadly terrorist bombing in Manchester.
Twenty-two people were killed – including several children – at the bombing last Monday evening at the Ariane Grande concert in the Manchester Arena.
Television reality star Frankie, who is openly gay, wrote on Twitter that “we can’t allow hate to propagate hate”.
He is the older half-brother of pop star Ariane, having starred in several Broadway musicals, including Mamma Mia and Rock of Ages.
Frankie Grande starred in the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother last year (Getty Images)
Last year he competed in the UK’s Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5, and starred in the 2015 season of America’s Best Dance Crew.
He wrote: “My prayers, thoughts, meditations & strength has been focused on those families and victims affected by the horrific tragedy in Manchester.”
“I echo my sisters sentiment & say we can’t allow hate to propagate hate & fear to propagate fear.
“But [we must] rather come together & spread a message of love, unity, & empowerment.
“So I say, as I have before, shine bright, & when evil comes 2drown out your light, 3throw shade over your beautiful soul, shine brighter!”
Frankie’s sister Ariane recently announced she is returning to Manchester for a charity concert next week.
Ariana Grande in concert (Paras Griffin/Getty Images for iHeart)
She will sing alongside Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and Coldplay, in a display of strength and unity against terrorism.
The proceeds will go towards families and victims affected by the attack.
Ariane Grande has previously discussed how her brother coming out as gay made her question her Catholic faith.
“When my brother was told that God didn’t love him I was like, ‘OK, that’s not cool,” the singer told MTV in 2014.
Frankie, who started his career as a YouTube personality, launched his first single – Queen – earlier this month.
