Taylor Swift has finally spoken about the cancellation of three of her Eras Tour concerts in Vienna, Austria, following a thwarted terror plot. In a heartfelt Instagram post after wrapping up her European tour, Swift shared her complex emotions, revealing why she initially refrained from commenting on the situation.
"Experiencing the cancellation of our Vienna shows was heartbreaking, and learning about the reason behind it instilled a deep sense of fear and guilt in me, knowing that many had looked forward to the event," she expressed in her post dated Wednesday, Aug. 21. Swift acknowledged her gratitude towards the law enforcement agencies whose intervention meant that "we were grieving the loss of concerts instead of lives."
The "Fortnight" artist, aged 34, also highlighted the unity and love displayed by her fans, particularly in Vienna, who spontaneously gathered to sing her songs and share friendship bracelets, a common sight at her concerts.
Swift elaborated on her decision to maintain silence initially, citing safety concerns. "I chose not to speak publicly at the time because I did not want to potentially escalate the threat level or draw attention that might provoke those intending harm," she explained. This approach, she noted, was a measured effort to prioritize the safety of her tour and fans over public communication.
The completion of her tour saw Swift performing five successful nights at London's Wembley Stadium, which she described as a "beautiful dream sequence," restoring a "carefree calm" to her performances.
The singer also acknowledged the numerous artists who joined her on stage during the London shows, such as Ed Sheeran, Florence Welch, and Jack Antonoff, celebrating the collective achievement of setting a record at Wembley.
Swift ended her message by extending her gratitude to her fans: "You were a dream to perform for, dance with, and share those magical moments with. We'll see you all again when we resume The Eras Tour in October, but for now, we get to take a much-needed rest. Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime. May it continue…"
The arrests related to the plot were first announced on Aug. 7, involving two Austrian individuals with alleged plans for a violent attack at the concerts scheduled from Aug. 8 to 10. The incident was part of a series of troubling events, including a tragic attack at a Swift-themed event in England earlier in the month.
Swift's empathetic response and the outpouring of support from her fan community highlight the resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.