Thousands think Ariana Grande should be given Freedom of Manchester after raising millions with One Love gig – Mirror.co.uk

More than 15,000 people have signed a petition to give Ariana Grande the Freedom of Manchester.

It comes after the US pop star returned to the city to stage the defiant One Love Manchester benefit concert.

The gig was in answer to a suicide bombing at her previous date in the city, that left 22 of her young fans and their parents dead, and more than 100 others injured.

Ariana called on her superstar friends, including Katy Perry, Little Mix, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus, to perform at the gig and raised millions for charity.

Now people believe she should be made an honorary Mancunian.

The concert was attended by 50,000 people and watched by millions around the world on TV.

Established just two days ago, the petition titled Grant Ariana Grande the Freedom of the City of Manchester has now been backed by 15,800 supporters at the time of writing.

Petition creator Matthew Duggan, 25, from Burnage, said: "Ariana could have quite easily viewed Manchester as a dangerous place, but shes made a massive impact on many.

"It was more than a music concert, it was about bringing the country and people together again.

"In a time of divisiveness, not just through terrorism but with our politics too, I think everything Arianas done has been amazing."

The singer made an emotional return to Manchester less than two weeks after the Manchester Arena suicide bombing.

The One Love Manchester show at Emirates Old Trafford reached a peak TV audience of 14 million in the UK, and aired to more than 50 countries worldwide.

Speaking on the petitions reception, organiser Matthew stressed his view Ariana should not be celebrated above emergency service personnel.

He added: "For me, its about her being a real ambassador for Manchester going forward on the world stage."

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Thousands think Ariana Grande should be given Freedom of Manchester after raising millions with One Love gig - Mirror.co.uk