Less than a week after he spoke out about the Orlando shootings at a vigil in front of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Nick Jonas made another statement about those affected by the tragedy at Sunday's iHeartRadio MMVAs in Toronto.
The "Close" singer dedicated his award "to all the families and victims of the shootings recently" while accepting his trophy for iHeartRadio International Artist of the Year.
After his victory, Jonas took a moment to thank his "amazing fans" and presenter — and his "Under You" video co-star — Shay Mitchell before switching to a more sombre note.
"It's been a tough couple of weeks, a lot of hate and violence in the world, but moments like this when we can all come together and celebrate good times and be full of joy and happiness is a beautiful thing," said Jonas.
"We love you and we have not forgotten you. Thank you."
Jonas, also performed at the iHeartRadio MMVAs, explained his close connection to the LGBTQ2S community at the Stonewall Inn tribute and Pulse nightclub memorial last Monday.
“My father, a minister from New Jersey, shaped my view that love is love, that we are all equal," said Jonas, according to Entertainment Weekly. "No matter who you are, or where you’re from, or where you’re going in life, you have the right to love and be loved. So yesterday, thinking about the families of the victims and the lives lost, I just thought that could be my friend. That could be my people.”
Jonas' statement at Stonewall drew some criticism from some who said his speech overshadowed voices from the LGBTQ2S community and came conveniently around the release of his new album.
Controversy aside, the "Jealous" singer plays a gay character on the DirecTV series "Kingdom," and told Complex magazine earlier this year that he embraces his close allegiance to those who identify as LGBTQ2S and beyond.
"As a heterosexual male, [I am] open and comfortable about loving my fan base, gay or straight, because to me there is no difference, it is my fan base," said Jonas, in an interview with the magazine.
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