Katy Perry is paying for an Orlando nightclub shooting survivor to go to film school.
Katy Perry
Tony Marrero had attended Pulse nightclub with his best friend Luis Vielma in June, and his 22-year-old pal was one of the 49 tragically killed, while his own survival was hailed a miracle by medics because he was shot four times in the back and once in the arm, but none of the bullets hit his vital organs or spinal cord.
Tony appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show and told the host how important Katy's song 'Rise' was during his recovery - and the tearful singer then walked out to surprise him.
She gave her fan a hug and said: "I don't know how I'm going to get through this. Your story is so inspirational.
"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."
In return, Tony gave his heartfelt thanks to the 31-year-old pop star.
He said: "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 all the way to now. You're amazing."
The 'Dark Horse' singer then revealed she had a surprise for Tony.
She said: "I heard that you're creative just like me and you have dreams and you want to go out there and do good and fulfill them.
"I heard that you want to go to film school so I personally want to pay for your first year at film school."
And in addition to Katy's generosity, Ellen gifted Tony with a private screening of her movie 'Finding Dory', and also donated $25,000 to the foundation benefiting Pulse victims via Shutterfly.
Tagged in Ellen DeGeneres Katy Perry