Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Ariana Grande is taking a step back from public life
Speculation about Ariana Grande’s health, particularly as it relates to her weight, has been rampant for a few years now. Whatever the truth behind it may be, the scrutiny has become enough to cause the actress and pop star to take a step back.
According to reports, the Academy Award-nominated actress and Grammy-winning pop star will be taking a step back from “public visibility” following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour on September 1.
Grande’s appearance on the tour — in addition to the recent release of the music video for her song ‘Petal’ — has perpetuated speculation about her health.
“At this point, I’m judging her team, friends, and family. This is insane,” the top comment on the YouTube video for ‘Petal’ reads.
“It’s not about wanting the old Ariana back. It’s about wanting her to be healthy,” the second says.
“So happy to see people in this comment section who are also concerned and not act like nothing is wrong,” a third added.
Ariana Grande is stepping back from public life after her tour ends amid ongoing scrutiny about her appearance and health
In a statement to People, Grande’s reps cited the “endless, ongoing public scrutiny” surrounding her public appearances as the reason for the planned break.
“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 has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the rep told People.
“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
In addition to the break from the spotlight, Grande will also no longer be appearing in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George alongside her Wicked costar Jonathan Bailey, which is scheduled to open at London’s Barbican Centre next summer.
Grande’s hiatus from public life may not last long, however, as she has a starring role in the upcoming Meet the Parents sequel Focker-In-Law, which will be hitting theaters on November 25. The first trailer for the film bills her as the co-lead alongside Ben Stiller.
Given Grande’s popularity — she has the seventh-biggest Instagram account in the world with 363 million followers — she’ll likely be contractually obligated to promote the film ahead of its release.