Ariana Grande has issued what she describes as a 'loving reminder' about the dangers of commenting on women's appearances, following body-shaming discussions surrounding her role in Wicked: For Good.
The Instagram message that started the conversation
The 32-year-old singer and actor recently reshared an interview clip from the Wicked press tour on her Instagram story, calling the ongoing discussion around women's looks 'dangerous'. In the emotional video, filmed alongside her co-star Cynthia Erivo, Grande addressed the comfortability people feel when commenting on others' appearances.
'In today's society, there is a comfortability that we shouldn't have at all,' Grande told journalist Sally for Oui Oui Baguette. 'Commenting on others' looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes, or health or how they present themselves.'
A lifetime in the public eye
Grande reflected on her experience of being in the public eye since her teenage years, describing herself as 'a specimen in a petri dish since I was 16 or 17'. She revealed she has 'heard every version of what's wrong with me' throughout her career.
'And then you fix it, and then it's wrong for different reasons,' she added poignantly. 'But that's everything from – even just the simplest thing – your appearance, you know?'
This isn't the first time Grande has spoken out about body image issues. In 2023, she posted a video addressing comparisons people had made between her current body and her appearance during a difficult period in her life.
Beyond the red carpet challenges
The Wicked: For Good promotion hasn't been without its difficulties for Grande. She previously had to ask fans not to 'wish danger on us' after missing the São Paulo premiere due to plane issues. The Singapore premiere also saw security concerns when a man ambushed the Glinda actor on the yellow carpet.
Through it all, Grande continues to advocate for kindness and understanding, reminding everyone that there are 'many different kinds of beautiful, and ways to look healthy and beautiful'. Her message serves as a powerful call to be 'gentler and less comfortable commenting on people's bodies, no matter what.'
