Ariana Grande speaks out about the criticism and speculation around her body and the dangers of commenting on people’s looks
Over recent weeks, Ariana Grande’s appearance has been under scrutiny as she promotes the release of the second instalment of Wicked. The singer, 32, has always maintained a silence despite continued speculation around her weight.
But now, the star has finally hit back about the emotional impact the conversations around her weight has had on her. This weekend she shared an interview where she tearfully spoke about her weight-loss to Instagram.
She captioned the post saying: “Resharing this from last year as a loving reminder to all.” Fans saw Ariana sat with her beloved co-star Cynthia Erivo during the emotional interview.
She then went on to candidly explain that while she was used to people commenting on her appearance, it sent out a “dangerous” message.
Speaking to web series Oui Oui Baguette, she explained: “In today’s society, there is a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all – commenting on others’ looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes, or health or how they present themselves … that I think is really dangerous.”
While Ariana spoke about the downsides of being in the public eye, viewers saw Cynthia gently hold her hand in a bid to support her close friend.
Ariana continued: “I’ve been doing this in front of the public, and been a specimen in a petri-dish since I was 16 or 17. It’s hard to protect yourself from that noise, and I think it’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on.”
Unlike some, Ariana said that she was thankful to have a strong network of support around her who remind her of who she is as a pesron.
She concluded: “I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have, and to know and trust that I’m beautiful.”
Ariana’s change in appearance has been the subject of concern since she started the promotional tour for the film last year, prompting fans to take to social media and express their fears.
Taking to X on the back of seeing her on the red carpet for the SAG Awards earlier this year, one fan wrote: “For real tho. Is Ariana Grande ok? She so thin and talks so slow now. Im actually worried.”
Another said: “Someone’s got to intervene with Ariana because something is NOT right with her. She’s too skinny and looks like she’s faking a smile it’s sooo depressing being a fan.”
A third person penned: “I hope Ariana Is healthy. I hope, she gains some weight. Healthy weight. Women should love their body without dieting crazy. One day, I hope to see that women are seen beautiful at a healthy weight. Not being Rail thin.”
In 2023, she took to TikTok and posted a three minute video after the public were comparing her to when she was younger.
She said at the time: “There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful. And personally, for me, the body that you’ve been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body.”
She added: “I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly and at the lowest point of my life when I looked the way you consider my healthy, but that, in fact, wasn’t my healthy.”
