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Justin Bieber is mourning Thomas Ayad, who was killed in the Paris terrorist attacks on Friday.
Ayad was an executive for Universal Music Group, most recently working for the sub-label Mercury Records. He was in the Le Bataclan theater for the Eagles of Death Metal show when multiple shooters opened fire on concertgoers. On Monday evening, Bieber used social media to express his grief over Ayad’s death.
In a message posted on Twitter on Monday night, the superstar said, “Still thinking about Paris and my friend Thomas we lost in the tragedy. He was a part of the team for years and I wish I could’ve had more time to thank him. Make sure to appreciate people while you have them.”
“Thanks Thomas for everything you did for me. You are appreciated and missed,” continued Bieber. “Thoughts and prayers are with your family & friends.” He ended with the hashtag, “#PrayForParis.”
Bieber’s message was typed and shared as a photo. In the accompanying tweet he added, “RIP Thomas #PrayForParis.” The former child star has worked with UMG since the early days of his professional career, though it’s not clear exactly when he and Ayad crossed paths.
As Gossip Cop previously reported, the singer led the Staples Center in prayer during an intimate concert hours after the attacks on Friday night. On Monday, Bieber was scheduled to appear on “Today” for an interview, but Gossip Cop exclusively confirmed the sit-down was postponed out of respect for NBC’s ongoing coverage of the situation in Paris. A “Today” concert will still take place on Wednesday.
