Will.i.am blasted by fans for saying ‘what’s up London’ at One Love concert… but he insists it was planned
Will has cleared up controversy by explaining he was paying tribute to the victims of London terror attack
WILL.I.AM has spoken out after baffling fans by saying "what's up, London" at the One Love Manchester benefit concert.
The Black Eyed Peas star insists it wasn't a gaffe and that he was in fact paying tribute to victims of the London Bridge terror attack.
The Black Eyed Peas performed their signature hit, Where Is The Love, alongside Ariana Grande.
When introducing the song, Will said: "What's up, London? We are showing love to Manchester and London right now, put your hands in the air in the name of love."
Fans were quick to rush to Twitter and criticise the star but he's since explained his comments, tweeting: "There was an attack in London last night... I was paying homage and showing love to London and Manchester... #UKlove #whereIStheLOVE truly?"
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After another follower deemed it as "awkward", Will replied: "That's not awkward that's love... I also thanked the police in Manchester & both Mayors... everyone needs love during attacks of hate."
As an original judge on The Voice UK, Will spends plenty of time in Manchester where the talent contest is filmed.
During the concert, one fan tweeted to say: "Will.I.Am saying 'Thank you to the police force here in London' while standing in front of a sign saying Manchester is hilarious."
Another Twitter user commented: "This is literally a benefit concert for Manchester and Will.I.Am has the nerve to say 'What's up London?' #OneLoveManchester."
The Sun reported how the show had a major setlist change after Ariana met with the family of one of the victims.
The 23-year-old met with Olivia Campbell’s mum who told the superstar her daughter, who died in the terror attack, would “want to hear the hits”.
Ariana told the crowd tonight: “I had the pleasure of meeting Olivia’s mommy a few days ago and as soon as I met her I started crying and gave her a big hug.
“She told me to stop crying as Olivia wouldn’t want me to cry and said Olivia would have wanted to hear the hits.
“We had a totally different show planned and had a rehearsal but changed everything.
“Tonight has been filled with love and fun and bright energy, so thank you for that.”
Olivia, 15, had been watching Ariana in concert at the Manchester Arena before she was caught up in the attack on May 22.
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