Victoria Justice is looking back on her friendship with the late Christina Grimmie.
Nearly 10 years after the Voice alum was shot and killed at age 22 at her concert at The Plaza Live venue in Orlando, Florida in June 2016, Justice opened up about getting to know Grimmie and the moment she learned about her death in a new interview on Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals.
“I remember when I met Christina. She was just the sweetest girl ever,” said the Victorious alum, who noted they collaborated on “Love Song to the Earth” alongside Toby Gad, Natasha Bedingfield, Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Fergie, Colbie Caillat and other stars.
“We performed together in D.C., and she was just so cool,” recalled Justice of Grimmie. “I remember hanging out with her and thinking like — you know when you meet people, and you’re like “Oh yeah like we’re going to be friends.” Like, this is the kind of person I want in my circle that I want to be friends with, and that’s how I felt about her.”
The actress spoke about meeting many “busy” people in the entertainment industry and why Grimmie felt different to her.
“I remember I invited her to a screening of my movie that I had coming out [in 2015] called Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List,” Justice said. “She took time out of her schedule to show up with her brother and be there to support me and that meant so much to me. She was just a lovely, sweet incredible girl.”
Paul Morigi/Getty
Christina Grimmie, Toby Gad, Natasha Bedingfield, Victoria Justice, Sean Paul, and Q’orianka Kilcher in September 2015
She then detailed learning about Grimmie’s tragic death. “I remember being in New York and my mom told me that something was trending about ‘Pray for Christina,’ and I was like ‘Huh, Christina?’ And then finding out all of that happened,” said the “Raw” musician.
“It was terrifying and such a wake-up call,” continued Justice. “I don’t even know. It was just devastating that something like that can actually happen to someone that you know.”
“It was just truly horrific,” she added.
Paul Morigi/Getty
Victoria Justice and Christina Grimmie in September 2015
Since Grimmie’s death, her family launched the Christina Grimmie Foundation “to shine a light on the needs of families who have lost a loved one to gun violence,” according to the organization’s Instagram page.
In honor of what would’ve been Grimmie’s 31st birthday on March 12, her family penned a heartfelt statement about their daughter. “Though she is no longer physically with us, her light, love, and legacy continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her,” they wrote on Instagram.
“Christina’s kindness, unwavering faith, and passion for music touched lives in ways we never could have imagined. She had a way of making everyone feel special, always pointing people toward hope, love, and God’s grace. Her joy was contagious, her laughter unforgettable, and her heart was pure,” continued the statement.
Her family added, “As we remember her today, we hold onto the promise that we will see her again. Until then, we cherish the memories, the music, and the impact she left on this world.”
Read the original article on People
