Taylor Swift Addresses Vienna Show Cancellations Due to Terror Threat

Taylor Swift has finally spoken out about the recent cancellation of her three shows in Vienna, Austria. These shows, part of her Eras Tour, were called off due to an alleged terror plot earlier in the month.

Posting on Instagram this past Wednesday, August 21, Swift expressed her devastation over the cancellations. “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.”

In her statement, Swift also expressed gratitude to the authorities who ensured safety. “Thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives,” she said. She felt uplifted by the unity and love shown by her fans during this difficult time. Swift emphasized that all her energy then shifted to protecting nearly half a million people expected at her London shows. “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 added.

Swift addressed the challenge of when to speak publicly on such matters. “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,” she explained. She noted that sometimes silence is about restraint and waiting for the right moment to express oneself. Swift concluded, “My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that.”

In wrapping up her European tour, Swift reflected on the contrasting emotions she experienced. Although she missed the Vienna shows, she found solace in the successful completion of her London concerts at Wembley Stadium. “The five shows in London were the most passionate crowds I’ve ever played for,” she enthused.

She also took a moment to thank the surprise performers who joined her on stage during the European leg of the tour. These included Florence and the Machine, frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff, and Ed Sheeran, who made a special appearance in London.

Swift’s Instagram post came in the wake of the arrest of three teenagers connected to the alleged terror plot targeting her Vienna shows. Among those arrested was a 19-year-old believed to have ties to ISIS. The other suspects were an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, with earlier reports mistakenly identifying the 18-year-old as a 15-year-old. The arrests were confirmed by Austria’s Minister of the Interior, Gerhard Karner.

Karner noted that while the 18-year-old had been in contact with the main perpetrator, he was not directly involved in the attack plans. “As was found out a few days ago, he took an oath of allegiance specifically to the IS on August 6,” Karner revealed.

Despite the challenges, Swift’s focus remains on the positive aspects of her tour and the incredible support from her fans and collaborators.

Source: Us Weekly