Katy Perry has made an emotional surprise appearance on the Ellen show to hug an Orlando shooting victim who had listened to the signer’s music while recovering from injuries sustained in the attack.
Before the appearance of Perry, Tony Marrero told the “Ellen DeGeneres Show” host that he’d listened to Perry’s hit, “Rise,” while he was recovering from injuries sustained in the June 12 Pulse nightclub shooting, which left 49 people dead.
After interviewing Marrero on The Ellen Show, Ellen DeGeneres brought out Katy Perry, whose new single “Rise” inspired Tony to move forward after his release from the hospital.
Ellen interviews Tony Marrero about the attack on Pulse Nightclub
Marrero was totally taken by surprise at the unexpected meet-up, and both he and Katy immediately burst into tears. “We’re both electrified by each other!” said Perry once they’d stopped crying long enough to talk to each other.
The pop star was visibly shaking when she and Marrero hugged, as seen in the video clip above. “I’m happy to be a joy. I’m happy to be a light and I’m happy I could be there in my own little way to help you,” a teary-eyed Perry told Marrero.
As it turns out, the sentiment was mutual. “I just want to say thank you for everything you do. Your lyrics to that song helped me from the day that I was in the hospital until now,” Marrero, who was shot four times in the back, said.
“I’m happy I could be there in my own little way to help you,” Perry replied.
Katy Perry appears on the set to surprise Tony Marrero
Perry had an even bigger surprise in store for Marrero at the conclusion of the interview, offering to pay for his first year of film school.
As part of the interview Ellen donated $25,000 (US) to the fund set up for all the victims of the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub.
Last Updated on Sep 9, 2016
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