Ariana Grande addressed speculation surrounding her decision to step back from public visibility after her "Eternal Sunshine" tour, assuring fans that the move was not impulsive or reactive.
During a concert stop in Chicago on Monday night, Grande delivered a four-minute speech, which she had written on her phone, to clarify her plans. "The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing and it has been blown out of proportion online," she told the audience, according to a video shared on X. She described the decision as "thoughtful" and "empowering," stating it was made "quietly, a long time ago."
Grande also refuted claims that online negativity was influencing her decision or "ruining things" for her. "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will be able to distort my reality or be more real to me or not as real to me as this love that we share," she said, referring to the connection with her fans during the tour, which she called "one of the most healing, beautiful, correct and special experiences" she has had.
Grande's representative had announced over the weekend that the Grammy winner would be "taking a step back from visibility" after the tour concludes. The spokesperson cited "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" as a reason for the break, referencing online chatter about Grande's weight after the release of her "Petal" music video.
Sources told Page Six that Grande is stepping away due to being "overworked" and that the "constant chatter about her weight doesn't help." Another insider suggested that the singer was more hurt by the "nonstop public scrutiny" than by a heavy work schedule.
In addition to stepping back from public-facing work, Grande has withdrawn from a planned West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Sunday in the Park with George," where she was set to star opposite Jonathan Bailey next summer. The musical's producers confirmed her withdrawal on Sunday, stating they understood and supported her decision.
Grande has previously addressed criticism of her appearance, including in her song "Yes, And?" from her 2024 album "Eternal Sunshine," where she sings, "Don't comment on my body, do not reply / Your business is yours, and mine is mine."