Ariana Grande to Step Back From Public Life After Tour Amid Body Scrutiny

Ariana Grande is stepping away from the spotlight. The singer plans to “take a step back from visibility” after wrapping her “Eternal Sunshine Tour” in London on September 1, her rep tells People, blaming the “endless, ongoing public scrutiny” surrounding her appearances.

The news comes after Jameela Jamil sounded the alarm over Ariana’s appearance in her newly released “Petal” music video, claiming the pop star is “possibly dying right in front of us.” The Good Place actress acknowledged that commenting on Ariana’s body could hurt her mental health, but argued that staying silent could normalize what she deems an unhealthy image for millions of young fans. She also criticized the video’s styling for deliberately emphasizing Ariana’s frame with belts and corsets.

Ariana has not responded to Jameela’s claims. But a source close to the singer told People she performs her highly physical show “healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night”. Her rep added that Ariana plans to finish the tour “healthily and happily” before taking a “much-deserved break” from public-facing work.

That break will cost fans one highly anticipated performance. The outlet also reported Ariana has dropped out of next summer’s West End revival of “Sunday in the Park with George,” which would have reunited her with Wicked costar Jonathan Bailey. Production confirmed the role will be recast.

Ariana has repeatedly pushed back against commentary about her body over the years. In 2023, she reminded fans that the appearance people once considered her “healthiest” actually came during an unhealthy period in her life—when she was on antidepressants, drinking, and eating poorly.