In January, Ariana Grande made a clear plea for fans to stop body shaming. She had spoken out on TikTok in 2023, urging her followers to remember that “many different ways to look healthy and beautiful” exist. This year, after more than two thousand comments on her new single, the pop star’s spokesperson announced a step‑back from public-facing work, citing “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
The spokesperson stressed that Grande would finish her tour on a high note, then take a much‑deserved break. This means cancelling appearances, including a starring role in a London stage musical set for next year. While Grande will still record music and continue with her Brighter Days Ahead Foundation, she will not film new projects for the foreseeable future.
Fans have rallied around the star with #Weloveyouariana, while others criticized those who focus on her body. “No-one has the right to comment on anyone’s body,” one user wrote, echoing Grande’s call for gentler commentary. Music journalist Sophie Williams told BBC radio that “the constant commentary around her has really, really elevated over the weekend.”
The new single “Petal” and its video were revealed on Friday, and the video itself depicts Grande as a starlet trying out for talent scouts. Some line‑ups offer her surgery or weight loss advice before ending what appears to be a critique of her past appearance. Grande’s remarks about her “unhealthiest” period when on antidepressants emphasize the complexity of judging beauty.
Grande’s career includes more than ten US number one hits, an Oscar nomination for her role in Wicked, and a history of dealing with trauma and PTSD after the Manchester Arena bombing. She has spoken openly about depression and OCD, urging mandatory therapy for child‑star performers.
