Ariana Grande is planning a break from public life as her tour concludes in London on September 1, citing "ongoing public scrutiny" over her appearance. This decision and the intense focus on her image draw parallels to the life of Audrey Hepburn, a star Grande has long admired and emulated.
Grande's spokesperson confirmed she will be "taking a step back from visibility" and "a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances." This scrutiny has reportedly intensified following her role in the "Wicked" movies and their associated press tours in 2024 and 2025. Her fashion choices during the "Wicked" press tour have been noted for their resemblance to Hepburn's iconic style, leading to concerns that Grande might be excessively pursuing emulation.
While Hepburn is remembered for her glamour, her life was marked by significant hardship. Born in 1929, she experienced childhood malnutrition in Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II, which stunted her growth. British film director Helena Coan noted in a 2020 interview that Hepburn's thin frame was a result of starvation, not an aspirational body type, and that the actress wished she had a fuller figure and was blonde.
Hepburn's father left the family when she was six, a departure that deeply affected her, leading to a lifelong feeling of insecurity and a profound desire for affection. She survived famine in the Netherlands by eating tulip bulbs and was rescued by UNICEF agents, but suffered from severe illness afterward. Her attempt to become a ballerina was thwarted by her delicate health and height, attributed to past malnutrition, leading her to pursue acting.
Further parallels exist in their personal lives and careers. Both started in musical theatre, with Hepburn in West End productions and Grande in the Broadway musical "13." Both have also faced romantic difficulties. Hepburn's first husband, Mel Ferrer, was reportedly controlling, and her second husband, Andrea Dotti, was unfaithful. Grande's marriage to Dalton Gomez ended in divorce in 2024, and her subsequent relationship with "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater, who had recently separated from his partner, has drawn public attention. Grande has reportedly since reconnected with ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez.
Despite her professional achievements, including EGOT status, Hepburn carried a deep sadness, which her granddaughter attributed to a lack of consistent love and the early departure of her father. Grande has also spoken about estrangement from her own father, who separated from her mother when Grande was eight. While they later reconnected, she described their falling out as one of the hardest things she had to overcome.
Grande has previously expressed admiration for Hepburn, calling "Breakfast at Tiffany's" her favorite movie in 2010 and channeling Hepburn's aesthetic for her 2013 debut album "Yours Truly." Her 2021 wedding dress, a custom Vera Wang silk gown, was compared to one Hepburn wore in the 1957 film "Funny Face."
The scrutiny over Grande's appearance intensified with the release of her music video for "Petal," where fans commented on her perceived thinness. Grande has addressed such commentary in her 2024 song "Yes, And?", singing, "Don't comment on my body, do not reply. Your business is yours and mine is mine."
In January, Grande reflected on the need for breaks, telling Vogue Japan that it would be "healthy" to step back from music, especially after a continuous 15-year career. She expressed a desire for more "balance" in the coming years, suggesting a departure from the non-stop pace of her previous career.
Hepburn famously stepped back from the spotlight after 1967, dedicating more time to her family and humanitarian work, while acting only occasionally. Grande's current plan to retreat from public life mirrors this significant shift undertaken by her idol.