Ariana Grande has reportedly rejected a Damehood.
The 25-year-old singer was said to be offered the accolade after she visited the victims of last year’s Manchester bombing and for subsequently arranging a charity concert in the city – but Ariana has declined the offer in a show of respect for the grieving families.
Read more: Ariana Grande get honorary citizenship from Manchester
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Ariana was flattered but said it was too soon. She explained she was still grieving. So were scores of families.
“She feared some affected might see it as insensitive. The committee wrote to her but she politely said no.”
According to another source, Ariana felt honoured to have been offered a Damehood.
However, she also felt “it was not the right time to accept”.
The insider shared: “She was deeply moved and honoured. She didn’t decline it as such but explained it was not the right time to accept.”
The bombing occurred shortly after Ariana had finished a gig at the Manchester Arena on May 22 last year.
The explosion caused 23 deaths and more than 500 injuries – and led to Ariana arranging a televised benefit gig, One Love Manchester, shortly afterwards.
In a subsequent interview on Beats Radio 1, Ariana admitted that the incident in Manchester had changed her approach to life, revealing she now feels scared to visit some places.
The chart-topping star – who is one of the world’s best-selling pop acts – explained:
“You want to not be afraid, because of course that’s what [the terrorists] want. If you give them that, then they’ve won.
“But the truth is, it’s scary. It’s scary going anywhere. You look at places differently.
Read more: Actress Dame June Whitfield dies aged 93
Other stars who are on the New Year Honours list are Monty Python star Michael Palin, former model Twiggy, and England football manager Gareth Southgate.
Do you think Ariana should have accepted a Damehood? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!