Ariana Grande intends to step away from the public eye after concluding her "Eternal Sunshine" tour on September 1 in London. A representative for the singer confirmed the decision, stating Grande will take a "much-deserved break" following "endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
The hiatus comes after Grande faced renewed online commentary regarding her weight and appearance, particularly following the release of her "Petal" music video. Some social media users expressed concern about her physical appearance, while others defended the singer, criticizing public commentary on her body.
Grande plans to use her time off to be with close friends and family, including her boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez. The couple recently rekindled their romance after Grande's split from "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater. A source told Page Six that Grande is looking forward to having more uninterrupted time with Alvarez, with whom she has had limited time due to her demanding schedule.
"She’ll be spending a lot of time with her family, friends and Ricky," a source exclusively told Page Six. "Between touring, rehearsals and her other work commitments, she and Ricky haven’t been able to spend as much time together as she would have liked over the past few months, so she’s looking forward to having more uninterrupted time with him."
In addition to stepping back from public-facing work, Grande has also withdrawn from the upcoming West End revival of "Sunday in the Park with George," where she was slated to star alongside "Wicked" co-star Jonathan Bailey. The musical's producers confirmed her decision, stating they offered their "complete understanding and support."
During a recent "Eternal Sunshine" show in Chicago, Grande addressed the speculation surrounding her break. She told the audience that her decision to retreat from public life was "not a reactive or impulsive" one, but rather a long-planned choice made from an "empowered place."
"I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but I just have to say that could not be more the f–k opposite," Grande told the crowd. "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality."
There is currently no set timeline for Grande's return to the spotlight. The "Eternal Sunshine" tour, which began in March, will wrap up in London. Grande, a Grammy winner, has been working extensively in recent years, balancing music and acting commitments.