Police stopped an attempted bombing at Lady Gaga’s Rio de Janeiro concert on Saturday, May 2 — and the singer didn’t even know there was a potential problem until the next day.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro and the country’s Justice Ministry worked together to thwart the plot conceived by a hate group ahead of the show, according to the BBC. The alleged leader of the group and an affiliated teenager were arrested in connection with the scheme.
“We learned about this alleged threat via media reports this morning,” Gaga’s team told the Hollywood Reporter in a statement shared on Sunday, May 3. “Prior to and during the show, there were no known safety concerns, nor any communication from the police or authorities to Lady Gaga regarding any potential risks. Her team worked closely with law enforcement throughout the planning and execution of the concert and all parties were confident in the safety measures in place.”
Over 2 million people attended the free concert in Rio de Janeiro, making it Gaga’s largest to date. “Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show — the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil. The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you,” the singer wrote on Instagram Sunday morning.
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“An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing, the biggest crowd for any woman in history. I wish I could share this feeling with the whole world — I know I can’t, but I can say this — if you lose your way, you can find your way back if you believe in yourself and work hard,” she continued. “You can give yourself dignity by rehearsing your passion and your craft, pushing yourself to new heights — you can lift yourself up even if it takes some time. Thank you Rio for waiting for me to come back. Thank you little monsters all over the world. I love you. I will never forget this moment. Paws up little monsters. Obrigada. Love, Mother Monster.”
The concert was paid for by the city and over 5,000 officers were in attendance. Gaga last performed in Brazil in 2012.
Gaga is touring in support of her album Mayhem, which was released March 7. In an interview with Us Weekly published March 12, a source close to Gaga explained that the record is a personal one for the singer.
“With Mayhem, Gaga is taking ownership over what is hers,” the source said at the time. “Her identity as an artist is stronger than ever.”
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The source also said that Gaga’s decision to end the record with her Bruno Mars duet, “Die With a Smile,” is a nod to her recent evolution. “It’s symbolic of this change — Gaga’s Mayhem ends with peace and love,” explained the source. “Gaga will always allow herself to dream her artistic fantasies, but she knows how to bring herself back.”
