Milo Yiannopoulos blasted for calling US pop star Ariana Grande ‘pro-Islam’
Ultra-right figure Milo Yiannopoulos has sparked uproar on social media for labeling singer Ariana Grande “pro-Islam” a day after 22 people were killed in a Manchester bomb attack claimed by Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL).
The right-wing British media figure posted a series of comments on his Facebook page suggesting that the perpetrator who blew himself up at the Arena on Monday evening had acted in solidarity with Grande, who holds “pro-Islam views.”
“Sadly, Ariana Grande is too stupid to wise up and warn her European fans about the real threats to their freedom and their lives.
“She will remain ferociously pro-immigrant, pro-Islam and anti-America,” his Facebook post read.
“Makes you wonder whether they bombed to attack her or in solidarity,” he added.
Following the suicide blast, which occurred minutes after Grande had finished her gig on Monday, the pop star tweeted that she felt “broken” and extremely “sorry.”
broken.
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.
Responding to the tweet, Yiannopoulos said Grande should “stop feeling sorry for herself” and “condemn Islamic terror.”
He also suggested that the 23-year-old singer is more terrifying than US President Donald Trump.
It is the second time in a matter of months that Yiannopoulos has come under fire for making controversial comments.
He was recently attacked after apparently endorsing sex between “younger boys” and older men, which cost him not only a lucrative book deal, but also his job as editor of right-wing media outlet Breitbart News.
Twitter users have again flocked to social media to hit out at his provocative comments.
One said the far-right provocateur has lost his “credibility” and made the remarks in order to return to the spotlight.
@Telegraph Milo Yiannopoulos has obviously lost all credibility. Will say anything to gain attention&publicity.
— Michael Tuesday (@realMTuesday) May 24, 2017
Another echoed this view, questioning whether his comments were a bid to attract attention or if he is just “ignorant."
There's something wrong with that Milo Yiannopoulos thinking&reasoning does he say dumb shit for attention or is he really that ignorant
— Nas (@nazables01) May 24, 2017
MattyKaye called Yiannopoulos a “pederast supporter” who is just trying to stay “relevant.”
Pederast supporter attempts to stay relevant by once again inserting his limp ideas into social media
— MattyKaye (@MAK1985_AU) May 24, 2017
https://t.co/0wo418AkGP
Another said Yiannopoulos’ should show some “respect” for those affected by the tragedy.
Milo Yiannopoulos couldn't have thought of a more appropriate time to bash Arianna. Where's the respect during this awful tragedy?
— careyanne❥ (@Careuhlala) May 24, 2017
Steven Leser, a Democratic pundit appearing on several TV shows, defended Grande’s talent while accusing Yiannopoulos of being “pro-pedophilia.”
Hey Milo Yiannopoulos @ArianaGrande has talent and she's not pro-pedophilia unlike you #jerkhttps://t.co/tXt3c5Bda5
— Steven Leser (@stevenleser) May 24, 2017
Grande has not been the only subject of Yiannopoulos’ reproaches, however. He also took a swipe at London Mayor Sadiq Khan for failing to condemn Islamic State after the attack at Manchester Arena.