Bomb threat at Lady Gaga’s free Brazil concert thwarted by police 

Lady Gaga’s massive, free Brazil concert this past weekend was reportedly the target of a potential bomb threat thwarted by local police.

Two suspects were arrested in connection with the plot before the Rio de Janeiro concert began on Saturday, 3rd May, the Guardian reports. Authorities believe that the concert at Copacabana Beach, which was attended by an estimated 2.1 million people, was targeted because of the artist’s sizeable LGBTQ+ fanbase. “They were clearly saying that they were planning an attack at Lady Gaga’s concert motivated by sexual orientation” Rio police secretary Felipe Cury said in a press conference on Sunday, 4th May.

Lady Gaga’s team learned about the bomb threat the morning after the concert through media, a spokesperson said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. “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,” they said. “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.”

One suspect was arrested on illegal possession of a firearm charge and a teenager was arrested for storing child pornography on his computer, according to the BBC. The plot was called “Operation Fake Monster” and attempted to recruit people online to bring “improvised explosives” to the event. 

This was Lady Gaga’s first concert in Brazil in 12 years. The popstar is currently on tour to promote her industrial dance-inspired album ‘MAYHEM‘. After the show, Lady Gaga posted: “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.”

See the scale of the Brazil concert in a clip shared by Lady Gaga below.