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Father's emotional open letter to Ariana Grande over Manchester terror attack goes viral

US singer Ariana Grande said she was
US singer Ariana Grande said she was

A father of three has written an open letter to Ariana Grande after the singer expressed how sorry she was for the terror attack on Monday.

Twenty-two people, including seven children, were killed when suicide bomber Salman Abedi's device exploded in the foyer of the Manchester Arena as thousands of people were leaving after the concert.

 Patrick Millsaps, 44, who lives in Georgia, US, decided to write the letter after Grande tweeted after the attack that she was "broken" and "so so sorry". 

After sharing it on Twitter, it has been shared more than 13,000 times and liked by pop stars Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Grande herself. 

"I am a father of three daughters - ages 13, 12 and 12. So you have been a part of our family for years,” Patrick wrote.

“After reading a tweet you posted on Twitter the other night; I’m afraid I need to set to set you straight girl. So listen up and receive some redneck love from a daddy of daughters.

"You don’t have a dagum thing to apologise for. If some jackass had gotten drunk and killed someone with his car next to your hotel in Manchester, would you feel responsible? If the night before your concert, a tornado hit Manchester and tragically killed several people who were going to your concert; would you feel the need to apologise?

“You see, you are no more responsible for the actions of an insane coward who committed an act in  your proximity than you would be for a devastating natural disaster or acts of morons near your hotel.”

Mr Millsaps, who is an American film producer, also offered her some advice about how to deal with the tragedy.

"Spend time with your God, your family and your friends who will give you space and support when you need it.

“When you and only when you are ready, on behalf of all the dads who love your… um… whose daughters love your music SING AGAIN.

All 22 victims of the Manchester suicide bomb attack named, in pictures

“Music is the international language of peace. Every time you open your mouth and share that incredible God-given gift to the world, you make this crappy world a little less crappy.

“So there you go my dear, unsolicited advice from a fat dude in Georgia who loves his daughters and appreciates that there are people like you in the world. Take care of you first. Your fans aren’t going anywhere.”

The letter received widespread praise on Twitter. One replied: "Sir, we need more men like you in this world!"

Another said: "This man deserves father of the year award! So sweet, honest and real! We need more people like him in our world!"

Mr Millsaps later said he was "humbled" by all the positive comments, but added: "There are some fathers who had their daughters taken from them by evil.  Those men are the ones worthy of your respect, love and prayers."

Key articles | Manchester Arena explosion