Pop superstars Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande are helping some of their fans get through the COVID-19 crisis by giving them cash.
“I made a post on tumblr about how i was scared i wouldn't be able to stay living in NYC because of what [COVID-19] has done to the music industry,” freelance music photographer Holly Turner shared on Twitter, adding that Swift “literally single-handedly saved my ability to stay here. i cannot even believe my eyes right now.”
Turner included a screenshot of a PayPal notice of a $3,000 (all figures U.S.) transfer and a message that read: “Holly, You’ve always been there for me. I want to be there for you right now. I hope this helps. Love, Taylor.”
Several other fans who received $3,000 from Swift shared notes from the singer. One DM from Swift reads: “Samantha, I saw your tweet about being stressed about bills piling up and I want to help. What’s the best way I can gift you $3000? Do you have PayPal?” Another reads: “Leah, I'm so sorry this situation has caused you so much stress and I hope a gift of $3000 will help. Can you send me your PayPal account please?”
Grande has also reportedly given away as much as $1,000 to dozens of fans via Venmo, a U.S. cash app.
Last week, pop star Bebe Rexha began offering Cash App transfers to fans who expressed concerns about paying their bills during the COVID-19 lockdown.