Ariana Grande has made an emotional stand against beauty criticism during her “Wicked” press tour, fighting back tears as she discussed the constant scrutiny she has faced throughout her career.
The 31-year-old Grammy winner opened up to French journalist Salima Poumbga about the relentless pressure of public opinion whilst promoting the film, in which she stars as Glinda.
The American singer addressed the toll of being under intense public scrutiny since her teenage years.
“I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public and kind of been, you know, a specimen in a petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17,” Grande said.
“So, 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,” she continued.
The comments came amid increased online bullying during her global press tour for “Wicked”, for which she is considered an Oscar contender.
Grande has called out fans criticising her image
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Grande blamed society’s tendency to comment on appearances, noting how uncomfortable it can be for some in everyday situations.
“Even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner and your granny says, ‘You look skinnier. What happened? You look heavier. What happened?’ That is something that is uncomfortable and horrible no matter where it’s happening,” she explained.
The singer emphasised the dangerous normalisation of such behaviour, stating: “There’s a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all in commenting on others’ looks or health or how they present themselves.”
Grande made it clear she’s no longer “giving space” to negative commentary about her appearance.
Grande stars in Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo
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“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,” she stated firmly.
The “Wicked” star emphasised her strong support system, noting: “I am lucky to have a support system to know and trust that I am beautiful.”
The 31-year-old acknowledged her fortunate position of having those around her.
“I am lucky to have a support system to know and trust that I am beautiful,” she said, whilst emphasising that she no longer leaves space for harmful criticism.
She also advised others facing cyberbullying to delete apps if needed and block negative people both online and in real life.
Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival, Grande’s “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo condemned the cyberbullying her colleague has faced during the press tour.
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“It’s easy to be behind the computer typing words about a person you don’t know anything about,” Erivo said.
The actress described such online harassment as “quite dangerous” and offered a powerful reminder: “What a person who has never met you thinks is never more important than what you think of yourself.”