Ariana Grande cried as she responded to "dangerous" comments about her weight and the beauty standards that women are compelled to adhere to while promoting the "Wicked" film.
The actress and singer, who wore a yellow dress to the film's premiere and celebrated its success by sharing a rare photo of herself and her fiancé Ethan Slater, whom she met on the film's set, has been the subject of numerous comments about her appearance, particularly about her weight, over the years, as per Variety.
After receiving further reports, Grande, 31, is now confronting the matter directly. During an interview with a French reporter, she described discussions regarding her physique and appearance as "dangerous." Although she conveyed a challenging message, she was still moved to tears by the rumors and speculation that have plagued her throughout her career.
She acknowledged that she has dealt with this issue since she was an adolescent, when it was difficult to "protect" herself from comments. She continued to state that comments about weight are "horrible" in all contexts, regardless of the individual who is receiving them.
"I think 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," she stated.
"From what you're wearing to your body to your face to your everyt"From what you're wearing to your body to your face to your everything-there's a comfortability that people have commenting on that that I think is really dangerous," she persisted. "And I think it's dangerous for all parties involved."
She also informed her fans who can identify with her dilemma that she no longer "invite it in" to her life. She advised them to take the necessary measures to "protect" themselves from the "noise," as "no one has the right to say s-t."
Grande was initially compelled to confront her weight loss during the production of the popular film in London in 2023, The Daily Mail reported. She responded to the criticism in a lengthy TikTok video, claiming that many individuals were remarking and asserting that she was no longer in good health, which was demonstrably inaccurate.
"The body that you've been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body," at that time, she stated, "I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly."
"[I was] at the lowest point of my life when I looked the way you consider my healthy, but that in fact wasn't my healthy."
Grande's remarks elicited many responses on social media, with supporters and detractors expressing their opinions.
“Ariana is such a queen for standing up to body shamers. Let her live her life!” one fan wrote. “Celebrities make millions off their image but want privacy when it’s inconvenient. Can’t have it both ways!” a netizen stated.
“She’s right—judging others’ appearances is dangerous for everyone. People need to think before they comment," a third source said. “Ariana crying about comments while promoting her movie feels a little too convenient. Still love her though!” another X user shared.
“Her message hit home. We need more stars calling out toxic beauty standards!” a fifth netizen commented. “Ariana’s honesty is refreshing. It’s sad she even has to address this," another fan added.
Business Times has reached out to Ariana Grande for comments.
