Ariana Grande was seen in New York City in her first public outing since announcing her intention to step away from the public eye amid ongoing scrutiny of her weight. The 33-year-old singer was pictured wearing a black sweatshirt featuring the title of her latest album, "Eternal Sunshine," paired with loose-fitting jeans, white socks, and ballet flats.
Grande also wore a white face mask, later removed, and her hair was pulled back in a bun. She was accompanied by Hale Grande, the husband of her brother Frankie Grande. The Daily Mail has reached out to Grande's representatives for comment.
The sighting follows Grande's recent announcement of plans to take a break from public-facing duties after her "Eternal Sunshine" tour concludes. She expressed feeling "overwhelmed" with gratitude as she marked the end of the North American leg of the tour on August 6 in Chicago. Grande shared a message with fans on Instagram, stating her intention to cherish the memories made during the tour.
Following the North American leg, Grande is scheduled for 10 performances in London from August 15 to September 1, which will mark the end of the "Eternal Sunshine" tour. She had previously signaled a focus on wellness by 'liking' an Instagram post discussing the importance of prioritizing health regardless of external opinions.
This post, shared by psychotherapist Terri Cole, stated, "Get healthier, anyway!" and emphasized that while some may celebrate personal growth, others might miss a previous version of an individual. The message concluded by encouraging self-prioritization and acknowledging that true connections will appreciate one's growth.
Concerns about Grande's appearance have been amplified by her recent music video for "Petal," where some viewers noted her visibly thin frame. Her representatives previously confirmed that she would be taking a "much-deserved break" after the tour, which also led to her withdrawal from the West End revival of "Sunday in the Park with George."
During a concert in Chicago, Grande told fans that her decision to take a break was made "from a thoughtful and empowered place" and had been planned "a long time ago."
Grande is slated to appear in the upcoming film "Focker-In-Law," a sequel to "Meet the Parents," scheduled for release in November. However, it remains unclear if she will participate in promotional activities for the movie.
Sources have indicated that Grande has been "overworked" and that the constant public commentary on her weight has been difficult. Insiders close to the singer have expressed concerns about her well-being, with one family source telling the Daily Mail that they have "begged" her to take a significant break, stating, "She is not well. She is anxious and unhappy. She doesn't sleep enough, doesn't eat enough."
Grande has addressed speculation about her weight in the past, asserting that she has been healthy despite public perception. In a 2024 interview, she described the public commentary as "really dangerous" and noted that she had been under public scrutiny since her teenage years. She also clarified in a 2023 TikTok video that older photos of herself, where she appeared less thin, were actually from an "unhealthy" period in her life marked by antidepressant use, poor eating habits, and a low point emotionally.