Ariana Grande recently became emotional during an interview with French journalist and content creator Sally, where she opened up about the relentless body shaming she has endured since entering the public eye as a teenager. According to People, Grande, 31, discussed the discomfort of being constantly evaluated and judged by strangers regarding her body while promoting the upcoming film Wicked, in which she stars as Glinda the Good.
Years of Criticism
During the interview, Sally asked Grande how she faces the criticism she has received on social media regarding her appearance and weight. As Cosmopolitan reported, emotion quickly rose in the singer, who paused to gather her thoughts. Fighting back tears, Grande said, “I’ve been doing this in front of the public since I was 16 or 17, so I’ve heard every version of what’s wrong with me.”
Grande reflected on the pressure of public scrutiny, emphasizing how comments about her body have been a constant in her life. She explained, “It’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on, even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my God you look skinnier, what happened?’ or ‘You look heavier, what happened?'” as Cosmopolitan reported.
The singer pointed out a troubling societal tendency to comment on others’ appearances, calling it a “dangerous habit that harms everyone involved,” as noted by Variety Australia. She stated, “There’s a comfortability that I think is really dangerous to all parties involved.” Grande emphasized that this ease with which people judge someone’s appearance is concerning, and these comments leave lasting marks on those who receive them.
Cynthia’s Support
Cynthia Erivo, who co-stars with Grande in Wicked as Elphaba, offered her support during the emotional interview. According to El Comercio, Erivo expressed that she was “proud” of Grande for being honest about the topic and comforted her as she tried to compose herself. Erivo added, “What a person who has never met you thinks is never more important than what you think of yourself,” as reported by Infobae.
Grande also discussed how she has learned to protect herself from negative commentary. She said, “I don’t invite it in anymore. It’s not welcome,” according to Cosmopolitan. The singer emphasized the importance of setting firm boundaries for her mental health, noting that she has work to do, a life to live, and friends to love. She advised others to do the same, stating, “You keep yourself safe because no one has the right to say s—,” as reported by Fox News.
In addressing the impact of body shaming on her mental health, Grande shared, “I have heard it all. I’ve heard every version of it, of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it’s wrong for different reasons,” according to Huff Post. She described the cycle of criticism as relentless and damaging, both personally and for others who experience similar scrutiny.
Grande also reflected on her past, revealing that at times when she appeared “healthy” to others, she was actually struggling. As reported by VnExpress, she said, “I know personally for me, the body that you’ve been comparing my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body. I was on a lot of anti-depressants, 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.”
She encouraged empathy and kindness from the public, urging people to refrain from making casual comments about others’ bodies. “Because one never knows what the other person might be dealing with,” Marca reported Grande said. She highlighted the need for society to reconsider its harmful obsession with appearance, calling for a more thoughtful and compassionate approach.
Grande expressed gratitude for her support system, acknowledging how her loved ones have helped her navigate the challenges of public scrutiny. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she said, “I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have and to just know and trust that I’m beautiful.” She emphasized that this support has been crucial in reminding her of her own confidence and beauty amid external pressures.
Ariana Grande’s candid discussion about body shaming sheds light on the profound impact such criticism can have on mental health. Her experiences highlight the importance of setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and fostering a culture of empathy. By sharing her story, Grande hopes to inspire others to protect themselves from negativity and to remind the public of the power their words hold.
