Model and author Charli Howard has urged for an immediate intervention for pop star Ariana Grande, expressing concern over the singer's public image and significant weight loss. Howard, who has battled eating disorders for a decade, stated that Grande appears to be in "desperate need of hospitalisation and care."
Howard, 35, who has experienced both bulimia and anorexia, commented on the public discourse surrounding Grande's appearance. She noted that while some fans express worry, others dismiss the changes as "healthy" or the loss of "puppy fat," with some even making jokes.
"What I see is someone in desperate need of hospitalisation and care, and while I know it’s often impossible to help someone at this stage of anorexia, there has to be an immediate intervention," Howard said.
During the most severe period of her own illness, Howard subsisted on minimal food, stating, "I’ve tried everything because when you’re engrossed in an eating disorder, there’s this voice in your head that tells you that you can never be thin enough."
Howard believes that imagery of Grande in her recent music video "Petal," which appears to showcase a shrinking frame, should be removed from the internet to prevent it from influencing young fans. She described the release of the video and album as "absolutely appalling, from both a moral and capitalistic standpoint" given the singer's apparent need for psychiatric help.
Howard criticized the teams involved in approving such content, stating, "The teams involved should be absolutely ashamed. What’s disappointing is that it takes teams – often hundreds – of people to approve videos like these and get them over the line."
She concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of those around Grande, including her family and management, to provide support. "Each and every one of you, including her family and management, are enabling this person and encouraging her illness when she needs help. I truly, truly hope she gets the help that she so desperately needs."