Kaylah Walton
The singer Taylor Swift faced criticism from her fans after making a statement about canceling her concert in Vienna due to a terror threat linked to ISIS.
Following the cancellation, Swift addressed the Vienna incident in an Instagram post at the end of her European tour, but many fans believed her remarks lacked empathy for those who were disappointed by the canceled show.
“Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating,” she wrote.
“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.
“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. I decided that all of my energy had to go toward helping to protect the nearly half a million people I had coming to see the shows in London.
“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. 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.”
Fan reaction to Swift statement
Swift disabled comments on the post, but the criticism swiftly moved to X, where fans voiced their displeasure with how she handled the situation.
“She mentioned London 3 times and Vienna once. This statement is BS,” a user wrote.
Another added: “Nah let’s not drag them they’re frustrated that their concert was cancelled and complaining bc the artist hasn’t said anything is a valid reaction sure it was clear she didn’t react for a reason but don’t make them feel guilty bc they were sad.”
