Ariana Grande has addressed fan concerns regarding her decision to step away from public life, stating that the move was planned long ago and is intended to establish boundaries and allow for rest. Grande clarified her position during a concert in Chicago on Monday, emphasizing that multiple factors can be true simultaneously.
"Yes, boundaries, they need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes," Grande told her audience. She stressed that the decision was not made in reaction to negativity or scrutiny, but rather stemmed from a "thoughtful and empowered place." The singer stated that her current 'Eternal Sunshine' tour, which began in North America in June and is scheduled to conclude with London dates in September, will be her "last gift to fans" before she steps out of the spotlight.
Grande's spokesman confirmed on Sunday that she would be "taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour." The statement added that she looks forward to finishing the tour "on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
Recent months have seen increased public commentary on Grande's appearance, particularly following the release of her music video for "Petal." Despite public insistence that she is healthy, fans and commentators have noted her perceived thinness. Actress Jameela Jamil, who has spoken about her own past struggles with anorexia, had previously commented online that Grande "is possibly dying right in front of us" and criticized her team for not steering her away from what she described as a "deeply damaging image." Jamil later responded to Grande's clarification, stating on Instagram that she "thinks that's great" that Grande wants "rest and boundaries."
Grande has previously addressed scrutiny over her body and appearance in her music, including the 2024 song "Yes, And?" from her album 'Eternal Sunshine,' where she sings, "Don't comment on my body, do not reply. Your business is yours and mine is mine."
In January, Grande admitted in an interview with Vogue Japan that taking a career break would "probably be healthy," noting that she has not been accustomed to taking breaks and that the past 15 years have been "pretty non-stop." She expressed a desire for more "balance" in the coming years.
This hiatus also impacts her planned role in a 2027 London production of "Sunday in the Park with George" at the Barbican Centre. Producers confirmed on Sunday that Grande had withdrawn from the highly anticipated show, where she was set to reunite with her "Wicked" co-star Jonathan Bailey. She is also reportedly expected to skip promotion for her upcoming movie "Focker-in-Law," due in cinemas in November.