American pop star Ariana Grande has been in the public eye a lot recently. Whether it be at premieres for the Wicked films or concerts promoting her music, she’s gotten a lot of attention — perhaps too much.
A representative for the star told The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday she would be “taking a step back from visibility” after she completes her Eternal Sunshine tour on September 1.
“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which have led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the representative said.
This isn’t just about her music, she has also decided not to appear in a theatre performance of Sunday in the Park with George in London next year, the production company confirmed.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned and casting will be announced in due course,” Empire Street Productions said.
Grande also stars in Focker-in-Law alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. It is unclear whether she will participate in the film’s promotions in the lead up to its release on November 25.
The singer released her eighth album, Petal, on Friday, with the title track’s music video attracting concern and commentary regarding her health. Fans — and even some celebrities — have said Grande looked incredibly thin and weak.
British model, author and body positivity activist Charlotte Howard was among those speaking out following the release of Grande’s music video.
“I think it’s vital we discuss imagery/videos/content like these and the damage they can — and will — have on women and girls. WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS NOT NORMAL,” Howard wrote in the caption of a post featuring stills from the music video.
She claimed Grande was evidently suffering from anorexia and that it was “absolutely appalling, from both a moral and capitalistic standpoint, to have released these videos and an album when this person needs psychiatric help and hospitalisation”.
Actor and comedian Jameela Jamil also spoke up , claiming the singer was “possibly dying right in front of us” and that it was “thoroughly irresponsible” of her team not to guide her away from presenting such an image to young fans.
Grande herself has told people not to comment on her appearance — or anyone else’s. Last year, she shared footage from a 2024 interview where she was asked about beauty standards.
“I think in today’s society there’s 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. I think it’s dangerous, for both parties involved,” the singer said in the video.
