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Nicki Minaj refuses to cancel gigs after Manchester bombing: 'No, because we don't operate in fear'

Ariana Grande performs onstage with Nicki Minaj at the 2016 American Music Awards: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Ariana Grande performs onstage with Nicki Minaj at the 2016 American Music Awards: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Nicki Minaj has said she has no plans to halt her live shows following the Manchester Arena bombing.

A TMZ photographer filmed Minaj at an airport where he asked if she had any plans to cancel tours or performances in venues after the attack at Ariana Grande's show.

Responding, Minaj said: "No, because we don't operate in fear. Nope." She added that it would only send a message that "they win".

The artist also shared a message for Grande and her fans in the UK.

"Ariana is my sister," she said. "I love her and I love the people of the UK and I'm devastated by the news. It's heartbreaking."

Asked whether she would perform in Manchester next year she replied: "Of course I'ma perform for my Manchester fans. They deserve it."

Grande has suspended her world tour until 5 June in the wake of the attack, with a statement released by the singing saying she wanted to pay "proper respects to those lost".

She had been due to perform two concerts at London's O2 Arena on Thursday and Friday, which will no longer go ahead.

The statement issued by her management said: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester the Dangerous Woman tour with Ariana Grande has been suspended until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to those lost.

"The London O2 shows this week have been cancelled as well as all shows through 5 June in Switzerland. We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence.

"Our way of life has once against been threatened but we will overcome this together. Thank you."