Singer Ariana Grande's recent music video, 'Petal,' has ignited a debate about celebrity influence on body image, particularly among young girls. In one scene, Grande appears with protruding shoulder bones and a visible rib cage, leading some, including columnist Clare Foges, to express concern that her extremely thin appearance sets an unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standard.
Foges shared her own experience as a mother of three daughters, noting how difficult it is to shield them from societal pressures regarding slimness, even with conscious efforts to promote body positivity. She contends that celebrities like Grande, who possess significant influence, have a responsibility to avoid promoting such extremes. "Visible shoulder bones are not normal. Seeing several ribs is not normal. Twig-like upper arms are not normal," Foges wrote, drawing a parallel to the rise in eating disorders among children and young people.
Grande herself has previously spoken about feeling scrutinized and has urged for gentler commentary on people's bodies. Her management has announced a break from public-facing work following her current tour due to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny."
However, Foges argues that the blame lies not solely with Grande but also with those around her who permit or perhaps even leverage her appearance for publicity. She suggests that if those close to the singer were genuinely concerned about her well-being, they would seek medical attention rather than endorse her current look.
To combat the normalization of extreme thinness, Foges called for online platforms to remove the video, stating that such a move would send a message that this aesthetic is neither normal nor aspirational. She believes that if Grande's inner circle has her best interests at heart, they will withdraw the video and ensure she receives the support she needs.
The article also briefly touches upon other unrelated social commentary, including remarks on political statements by Education Secretary Lucy Powell regarding former Education Secretary Michael Gove, swimmer Adam Peaty's comments on forgiving his parents, and observations on early Christmas chocolate displays and public nudity. However, the central focus remains the discussion around Grande's music video and its implications for body image standards.