Singer Ariana Grande has prompted widespread concern among fans regarding her significant weight loss following the release of her latest music video for "Petal." The video, which features Grande portraying an aspiring starlet facing rejection and resorting to violent revenge, has drawn attention not only for its narrative but also for the artist's visibly thin figure.
Many viewers have voiced their unease on social media, with comments ranging from comparisons to the late singer Karen Carpenter to direct pleas for Grande to "eat something." Some observers noted that her "bones are literally popping out." Another fan expressed frustration, stating, "I am actually so over us normalizing this and acting like this is okay."
However, a segment of fans has defended Grande, arguing that commenting on her body is inappropriate and that those concerned should respect her privacy. Some also criticized those commenting on her weight, suggesting that jealousy was a motivating factor for negative remarks.
Grande, 33, has previously addressed speculation about her physique. In a 2024 interview with YouTuber Sally, she commented on the public's tendency to "normalize" discussing personal health and appearance, calling it "really dangerous." She noted that she has been under public scrutiny since she was 16 or 17 and has heard "every version" of criticism regarding her body.
In a 2023 TikTok video, Grande directly responded to concerns about her weight, explaining that her appearance in older photos, where she was less thin, actually represented an "unhealthy" period. She stated she was on antidepressants, drinking, and eating poorly at that time, and emphasized that "healthy can look different."
Last December, conservative commentator Megyn Kelly publicly accused Grande of being "anorexic," suggesting she weighed "90 pounds" and looked as though she "could snap her in two with your fingers."
"Petal," Grande's eighth studio album, was released on Friday, preceded by the single "Hate That I Made You Love Me," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for "Petal" was directed by Christian Breslauer.