Taylor Swift has spoken out about the terrorist threat that led to the cancellation of her “Eras Tour” shows in Vienna, Austria earlier this month.
In a statement released on Wednesday – a day after she wrapped up her record-breaking European leg of the tour – the pop superstar said playing her final shows in London had been an “emotional rollercoaster” after her three concerts in Vienna were cancelled.
Swift revealed that the cancellation of the shows was “devastating” news that left her feeling sorry for the tens of thousands of fans who had planned to attend the concerts, which were scheduled to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna from August 8 to 10.
“The cancellation of our Vienna shows is devastating,” she wrote. “The reason for the cancellation has left me with a new sense of dread, and a deep sense of guilt because so many people had planned to see the shows.”
However, the “Cruel Summer” hitmaker also said she was “grateful” to authorities for uncovering what they called a planned terrorist attack on Swift’s concert in Vienna before anyone was hurt.
“But I’m also very grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we’re only grieving for concerts, not for lives,” Swift continued.
She went on to write that she was “heartened” by the “love and solidarity” among fans who had “come together” following the sad news.
“I decided that all of my energy had to be directed toward helping protect the nearly half a million people who came to see our shows in London,” Swift explained. “My team and I have been working closely with the stadium crew and the UK authorities every day to pursue that goal, and I want to thank them for everything they have done for us.”
READ MORE: Taylor Swift talks ‘Lockdown’ after terror threats during ‘Eras Tour’ performances
As for why Swift kept quiet for weeks after her “Eras Tour” shows were canceled, she explained that she feared speaking out too soon would “cause” more danger for her fans.
“Let me be clear: I would not speak about something publicly if I thought it might incite people who wanted to harm the fans who came to see my shows,” the singer wrote.
“In situations like this, ‘silence’ is really about showing restraint and waiting to express yourself at the right time,” she continued. “My priority was to finish the European tour safely, and I’m so relieved to be able to say we did that.”
After working with British authorities to ensure the safety of fans at her London shows, Swift said her concert at Wembley Stadium ended up feeling like a “beautiful dream sequence”, with fans “bursting with passion, joy and excitement”.
On August 7, her Vienna concert promoter Barracuda Music announced via social media that Swift’s three concerts would no longer take place as planned due to a failed terrorist attack.
Authorities later arrested three suspects in connection with the terrorist plot.
READ MORE: Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna cancelled as security measures stepped up at London shows
Taylor Swift Tag, Eras Tour