LADY Gaga has spoken out after it was revealed Brazilian police foiled a bomb plot at her massive free concert on Saturday.
The singer said she is “grateful” for her fans and felt “absolute pride and joy […] singing for the people of Brazil”.
An estimated 2.5million flocked to watch the free concert at Rio De Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach – so an explosion could have been devastating.
Brazilian cops said they disrupted an attack allegedly planned by a group spreading hate speech against the LGBTQ+ community.
Two people have been arrested over the alleged scheme.
Police said the group tried to recruit teenagers to carry out attacks using Molotov cocktails and improvised explosives.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Lady Gaga did not directly address the reports but instead heaped praise on the people of Brazil and their culture.
She expressed: “Nothing could prepare me for the overwhelming pride and joy I experienced during last night’s performance as I sang for the people of Brazil.
“The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away.
“Your hearts radiate brightly, your culture is exceptionally vibrant and unique, and I hope you realize how thankful I am for having shared this historical moment with you.”
The crowd of an estimated 2.5million people is the largest-ever for any woman history, she said.
Nine addresses across Brazil were raided by police as part of “Operation Fake Monster” to prevent to attacks.
Officers found a number of suspicious electronic devices as well as other materials.
One man – who was allegedly the leader of the group – was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm in Rio Grande do Sul.
Police said the group believed to be behind the plot operated online and spread hate speech against the LGBT community.
It also promoted the radicalisation of teenagers, encouraged self-harm and shared violent content.
The group is thought to have been recruiting participants – including teenagers – to carry out attacks.
And investigations suggest the Gaga bomb plot was seen by those involved as a “collective challenge” to make themselves known on social media.
Lady Gaga concluded her tribute to Brazil with these words: “You can bestow dignity upon yourself by dedicating time to practice your passion and honing your skills, striving for personal growth – even if it takes a while, you have the power to elevate yourself.”
“Thank you Rio for waiting for me to come back. Thank you little monsters all over the world. I love you. I will never forget this moment.
“Paws up little monsters (Gaga’s nickname for her fans). Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster.”
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