Ariana Grande's mother speaks out after the Manchester attack: 'I stand with you all'

The INSIDER Summary:

• A terror attack killed 22 people and injured dozens more at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on May 22.
• Now, Grande's mother, Joan, has released a statement regarding the tragedy.
• She called the attack "diabolical" and shared words of support for the victims. 

It's been just over a week since a deadly terror attack claimed 22 lives at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. Now, Grande's mother, Joan, has released a public statement paying tribute to the victims and their loved ones.

Joan, who'd been sitting in the front row at the concert, already made headlines for reportedly helping young fans to safety after the blast. On Monday, she took a moment to post a brief, heartfelt message on her Twitter account with the hashtag "#MemorialDay":

Here's the full transcript of her message:

This past week I have spent in reflective thought, prayer & deep sorrow. I join my daughter in extending my help & services to all those affected by the diabolical act of terror which occurred in Manchester! My heart goes out to all the victims: those who lost their lives, those injured, those recovering & all survivors of that night, along with the families & friends whose grief knows no bounds. I stand with you all in the face of evil & we stand together to never let it rule our lives! Thank you to all those who helped in any way that night in Manchester. I continually thank those who are & were in service protecting our freedoms every day all over the world! #MemorialDay

Ariana fans flocked to Twitter to thank Joan for her message. Many simply replied by writing, "I love you."

"You have such a beautiful soul," another wrote. "Sending all my love towards you & Ariana."

Joan's sentiments echoed the statement Ariana released via Instagram late last week. 

"The compassion, kindness, love, strength and oneness that you've shown one another this past week is the exact opposite of the heinous intentions it must take to pull of something as evil as what happened Monday,"Ariana wrote, addressing her fans. "We will not quit or operate in fear. We won't let this divide us. We won't let hate win."

As of last week, reports said that Joan and Ariana had safely returned to their home in Boca Raton, Florida — but Ariana has now announced plans to return to Manchester this Sunday.

On Tuesday, the BBC reported that Grande will return to Manchester to perform a benefit concert featuring Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and Katy Perry. All proceeds from the performance will go to the We Love Manchester emergency fund, and all those who were at the Manchester Arena concert will be offered free tickets, the BBC said. 

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