Eminem joined a growing list of celebrities lending support to the victims of the bombing in Manchester. As of Tuesday, he helped raise almost £2 million for the Manchester Evening News’ Just Giving appeal.
The rapper shared a tweet on May 25 that asked his followers to join him in donating to Just Giving, as well as the British Red Cross. Funds raised by the charities would benefit victims of the bombing at Manchester Arena, which took place during an Ariana Grande concert on May 22. The bombing killed 22 people and injured more 60.
Join me in helping Manchester victims & their families, Make a donation to the @BritishRedCross and @MENnewsdesk https://t.co/JchJtYOdMU
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) May 25, 2017
Fans responded favorably. Some shared that his tweet inspired them to donate, while Manchester locals thanked him for the support. Even the Manchester City Council sent him a response.
Thank you for your support.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) May 26, 2017
It’s done , my Rap God !
— Niko ♑ (@Niko9O) May 25, 2017
Thanks for victims and their families ! pic.twitter.com/PgZf8TVGST
https://twitter.com/miss_soph01/status/867835311270789120
https://twitter.com/whevesy/status/867838102181732352
Other celebrities have asked fans and followers to help raise funds, as well. Justin Timberlake joined Eminem’s fundraising efforts. Ed Sheeran has also pledged his support, according to the British Red Cross. Actor Tom Hardy raised £35,000 in a separate Just Giving appeal. Russel Brand also reportedly donated all the proceeds from his latest standup gig to the anti-Islamophobia organization MEND, which has raised almost £16,000 for Manchester victims.
Fantastic generosity shown by Russell Brand @rustyrockets in donating proceeds of last night’s show to #Manchester victims #WeStandTogether pic.twitter.com/5GsNGAA6ns
— MEND Community (@mendcommunity) May 24, 2017
Join me & donate to @BritishRedCross to help those affected by #Manchester attacks: https://t.co/uI4NosXWhA Or https://t.co/xdDM36FASW pic.twitter.com/hqJYf4vpbc
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) May 26, 2017
.@EdSheeran has pledged his support for the #Manchester emergency fund. Join him & donate now. #WeStandTogether https://t.co/BW6ZNwV4hj pic.twitter.com/EbenjV7VCo
— British Red Cross 🧡 (@BritishRedCross) May 29, 2017
Manchester clubs Manchester United and Manchester City pledged £1 million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, while United captain Wayne Rooney has donated £100,000 from his own foundation, according to the Independent.
Benefits shows were also planned in Manchester. Oasis’ Liam Gallagher said all profits from his opening show date at the Manchester Ritz on Tuesday will benefit victims. Peter Hook, Badly Drawn Boy, A Certain Ratio, Denise Johnson, and more will play a separate benefit concert hosted by People Over Borders on June 4.
“The gig was going to happen anyway and we all have to do what we can,” Gallagher said. “I want to try and help pick people up. People like me, doing what we do, it’s our duty to give people a good time.”
A CITY UNITED
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) May 26, 2017
Raising money for affected families
Sun 4th June @DeafInstitute
On sale NOW https://t.co/HtxP8NNF52 pic.twitter.com/901jP5RWKf
Immediately following the bombing, celebrities including Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Lorde, and Harry Styles tweeted their condolences.
