Following the news that an explosion occurred at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, reactions poured in from around the world. Back in the United States, Presidential Counsel Kellyanne Conway decided to offer her thoughts, which quickly resulted in backlash.
Conway on Manchester
On Monday night at the Manchester Arena, thousands of fans packed the building to enjoy a concert by pop star Ariana Grande. As the excitement filled the arena, and explosion took place, resulting in the panic of concert-goers rushing out of the building. NBC News reported, via the Greater Manchester Police, that the explosion was being treated as terrorism.
As of press time, 19 deaths have been confirmed, with at least 50 more being left injured, though that number could increase. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke out, referring to the incident as an "appalling suicide attack." Minutes after the news broke, videos and images began circulating online, showing the once excited crowd running away in an attempt to find safety. In addition, celebrities, politicians, athletes, and many others took to social media to express their support, with most posting their thoughts and prayers for the victims. In a May 22 post on Twitter, Kellyanne Conway sent out her prayers, while also posting a message that some believe was an inappropriate lecture to teenagers on how to deal with concerned parents.
Sympathy, aid and prayers for #Manchester.
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) May 23, 2017
Tweens/teens, give your parents a break when it seems they worry too much. https://t.co/KG4LqLyeyy
In a tweet commenting about the apparent suicide bombing in Manchester, Kellyanne Conway wrote, "Sympathy, aid and prayers for Manchester." However, Conway wasn't done, as she also tweeted out, "Tweens/teens, give your parents a break when it seems they worry too much." As expected, backlash resulted from those who are critical of Donald Trump and his administration, with even some supporters chiming in.
19 confirmed dead in ‘terrorist incident’ at UK’s Manchester Arena https://t.co/zrmfNmmG4o via @POLITICOEurope pic.twitter.com/FrE6o8REMS
— POLITICO (@politico) May 23, 2017
Twitter reacts
In response to Kellyanne Conway and her apparent Manchester lecture, social media users were quick to fire back. "Seriously? You're part of the cause.
You work for a coward that promotes hatred. So what separates you from a terrorist? U lack a soul," one Twitter user wrote. "Srsly? is this honestly the time to be lecturing this kind of thing?" another message asked.
@KellyannePolls Seriously? You're part of the cause. You work for a coward that promotes hatred. So what separates you from a terrorist? U lack a soul.
— marc hernandez (@marchernandezSC) May 23, 2017
@KellyannePolls srsly? is this honestly the time to be lecturing this kind of thing? #ffs
— ΒΓΘΘΚΕ ∞♪☺♀✿ (@BrookeLeia) May 23, 2017
@KellyannePolls Don't pretend like you have a heart, witch.
— Vladimir Putin (@VladimirovPutin) May 23, 2017
"Seriously... it's best if you refrain from commenting.
Thank you," one Twitter user wrote. "Nice way to make it all about you, Kookieanne Conjob. How about focusing on the parents whose teens aren't coming home?" an additional tweet noted.
@KellyannePolls Nice way to make it all about you, Kookieanne Conjob. How about focusing on the parents whose teens aren't coming home?
— PipSqueaksSquee (@PipSqueaksSquee) May 23, 2017
@KellyannePolls Couldn't just end it at prayers,huh? Had to feel vindicated by reinforcing your offspring's stigmas at a time that punctuates your agenda?
— AnonAxe2 (@AnonAxe2) May 23, 2017
@KellyannePolls I love you Kellyanne, but it's not the time to make teens feel guilty
— Barbara Smith (@blazn777) May 23, 2017
"Couldn't just end it at prayers,huh?
Had to feel vindicated by reinforcing your offspring's stigmas at a time that punctuates your agenda?" a social media user added. "I love you Kellyanne, but it's not the time to make teens feel guilty," one Donald Trump supporter added. The backlash continued as liberal social media users weren't going to let Kellyanne Conway off the hook.