Ariana Grande is calling for an end to the pervasive commentary on her appearance—and on anyone’s body, for that matter.
During a recent interview with French journalist and content creator Salima Jeanne Poumbga (known as “Crazy Sally”), our beloved Glinda addressed the relentless scrutiny she’s faced and shared a heartfelt message about self-protection and self-acceptance.
Ariana also reflected on her experience of growing up in the public eye. “I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public and been a specimen in a Petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17,” she explained. “I’ve heard it all. I’ve heard every version of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, and it’s wrong for different reasons.”
The Wicked star noted how criticism of someone’s appearance can happen at any scale, sharing an example many can relate to. “Even if you go to a Thanksgiving dinner and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my God, you look skinnier! What happened?’ or ‘You look heavier! What happened?’ it’s uncomfortable and horrible no matter where it’s happening.”
The Important Question: Why Is Society So Confortable With Commenting On Other’s Bodies?
Ariana Grande also critiqued society’s “comfortability” with commenting on others’ bodies. “There’s a comfortability that people have commenting on looks, appearance, health, or how someone presents themselves,” she said. “From what you’re wearing to your body to your face to your everything. And I think it’s really dangerous—for all parties involved.”
Despite the constant scrutiny, she credited her support system for helping her tune out the noise. “I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have and to just know and trust that I’m beautiful,” she shared.
“But I do know what the pressure of that noise feels like. It’s been a resident in my life since I was 17, and I just don’t invite it in anymore. It’s not welcome. I have work to do, I have a life to live, I have friends to love on. It’s not invited, so I don’t leave space for it anymore.”
Ari concluded with a powerful message for others experiencing similar scrutiny. “However you all can protect yourselves from that noise—whether it’s at a family reunion or online—if you’ve got to block people, delete the app, or do whatever keeps you safe, do it. Because no one has the right to say shit.”
This isn’t the first time she has addressed body-shaming. In April 2023, she shared a candid TikTok video discussing the comparisons made about her appearance over the years, wisely calling for more gentleness and less judgment.
“The body you’ve been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body,” she said. “I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly… I know I shouldn’t have to explain that, but maybe some vulnerability here will lead to something good.”