Ariana Grande Gets Emotional Addressing Criticism About Her Looks: ‘Nobody Has the Right to Judge’
Ariana Grande is opening up about the intense pressure to appear perfect while living in the public eye.
During a heartfelt joint interview with Cynthia Erivo, conducted by French content creator Crazy Sally, the Wicked star, 31, became emotional as she reflected on the criticism she has faced regarding her appearance throughout her career.
«I’ve been in the public eye, essentially like a specimen in a Petri dish, since I was 16 or 17. I’ve heard it all—every variation you can imagine,» Grande shared after pausing to collect her thoughts. «When you’re young, it’s overwhelming to process all the things being said.»
She continued, «It’s challenging to shield yourself from that noise.
Whether you’re on a global stage or simply at a family gathering, like Thanksgiving, and someone’s grandma says, ‘Oh my gosh, you look skinnier, what’s going on?’ or ‘You’ve put on weight, what happened?’—it’s an uncomfortable experience at any level.»
Grande challenged the societal norm of openly commenting on someone’s personal life or appearance, describing it as “harmful for everyone involved.”
Reflecting on her journey, she shared how she’s managed to distance herself from the constant scrutiny by leaning on her close-knit support system and focusing on personal growth.
“I’m incredibly fortunate to have the people in my life who remind me of my worth and help me feel beautiful. That said, I fully understand the weight of that constant pressure—it’s been a part of my world since I was 17. But I’ve learned to stop giving it a place in my life.
I have work to do, a life to enjoy, friends to cherish, and so much love around me.
That negativity isn’t welcome here anymore,” she explained.
Grande also encouraged others to prioritize their mental well-being, adding, “Protect your peace because no one has the right to make you feel less than.”
«There are countless ways to embody health and beauty,» she shared.
«For me personally, the body you’re comparing my current self to was actually the least healthy version of me. At that time, I was heavily reliant on antidepressants, mixing them with alcohol, eating poorly, and navigating the darkest period of my life.
The version of me you’ve labeled as ‘healthy’ was anything but—it was far from what true health looks like for me.»
