Model and author Charli Howard has called for an "immediate intervention" for pop star Ariana Grande, citing concerns over her dramatic weight loss and the relentless public scrutiny she faces. Grande recently announced she would be "stepping back" from public life.
Howard, who battled bulimia and anorexia for a decade, expressed her views in light of comments from fans and others discussing Grande's appearance. "What I see is someone in desperate need of hospitalisation and care," Howard stated. She added that while it can be challenging to help someone at such a stage of anorexia, an intervention is necessary.
During the most severe period of her own illness, Howard recounted surviving on minimal food. She described the internal struggle of an eating disorder, where a voice dictates an unattainable ideal of thinness.
Howard also criticized the release of Grande's latest music video and album, which features the singer's noticeably slimmer frame. She believes these materials should be removed from public view to prevent influencing young fans. "It is absolutely appalling, from both a moral and capitalistic standpoint, to have released these videos and an album when this person needs psychiatric help and hospitalisation," Howard said.
She directed criticism towards Grande's professional teams, including management and those involved in approving media releases. "The teams involved should be absolutely ashamed," Howard commented. "What’s disappointing is that it takes teams – often hundreds – of people to approve videos like these and get them over the line."
Howard emphasized that those surrounding Grande, including family and management, might be inadvertently enabling her illness by not facilitating the necessary help. "Each and every one of you, including her family and management, are enabling this person and encouraging her illness when she needs help," she stated. "I truly, truly hope she gets the help that she so desperately needs."
