In a heartfelt interview conducted by French content creator Crazy Sally, pop icon and actress Ariana Grande reflected on the intense public scrutiny she has faced since her teenage years. Seated alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo, the Wicked star became emotional as she spoke about the pressures of maintaining an image of perfection in the public eye.
“I’ve been doing this in front of the public and been a specimen in a Petri dish really since I was 16 or 17,” Grande, now 31, shared after briefly pausing to regain her composure. “I’ve heard it all. I’ve heard every version of it. You’re young, and you’re hearing all kinds of things.”
Grande likened public commentary on her appearance to situations faced by many, recalling common experiences such as family members making unsolicited remarks during gatherings. “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?’—it’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on,” she said.
Speaking Out Against Appearance Commentary
The singer condemned the societal tendency to comment on others’ bodies, calling it “dangerous for all parties involved.” Grande emphasized the importance of self-worth and resilience in the face of such scrutiny. “I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have and to just know and trust that I’m beautiful,” she said. “But I do know what the pressure of that noise feels like.”
Grande revealed she has chosen to block out such negativity in her life. “It’s been a resident in my life since I was 17. I just don’t invite it in anymore. 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.”
She also encouraged others to safeguard their mental health. “You keep yourself safe because no one has the right to say s**t,” she added.
Cynthia Erivo, who shared her own experiences as an “alternative and different” Black woman during the interview, praised Grande’s candidness.
In April 2023, Grande addressed similar issues in a TikTok video, revealing that her so-called “healthiest” appearance coincided with a time of deep personal struggle. “There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful,” she said, urging fans to rethink their perceptions of health and beauty.