Kaylah Walton
Ariana Grande has recently stirred up a mix of responses with her appearance at the premiere of the Wicked movie in Los Angeles.
The 31-year-old star turned heads in a retro gingham swing dress, reminiscent of the 1950s. However, her noticeable weight sparked a debate online, with several fans showing worry about her look.
While some fans praised Grande‘s vintage look, others voiced concern about her apparent weight loss. One commentator expressed, “She’s skin and bones,” while another mentioned, “Ariana looks unhealthily skinny.”
This has led to discussions regarding the appropriateness of such comments. One user acknowledged their love for Grande but added that it’s difficult not to worry amid such comments.
Some took a more sarcastic approach, joking that Grande and her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo might be competing over who looks thinner.
“No hate, but were they starving during filming?” one comment read, with another asking, “Were they passing out Ozempic shots on set?”
Despite the backlash, many fans came to Grande‘s defense, denouncing body shaming. “The amount of body shaming is disgusting. Genuine concern is different from blatant shaming,” one user remarked.
Supporters also noted Grande‘s naturally small frame, cautioning against harmful judgments. “As someone with a similar body type, these comments are painful. People should stop imposing their health ideals on others,” expressed one fan.
Previously, Grande has addressed the scrutiny she faces regarding her weight. In April 2023, she shared a video advocating for mindfulness around comments related to body image.
“We all need to be kinder and avoid commenting on people’s bodies,” Grande indicated, sharing that the version of herself considered “healthier” coincided with a particularly tough period in her life.
“During that time, I was on anti-depressants, drinking, eating poorly, and feeling awful. Healthy can look very different,” she clarified, stressing that concepts of beauty and health vary widely.
Promoting Understanding
Grande‘s situation highlights the challenges public figures face when their appearances are under constant scrutiny. This pressure not only affects their mental well-being but also fuels negative stereotypes about body image.
As Grande continues to inspire with her artistry, her candidness about personal struggles serves as a reminder that compassion is vital in such discussions.
“You never know what someone is facing,” she pointed out. “Even with good intentions, comments can still be hurtful.”
Her supporters hope that attention will shift from her physical appearance to appreciating her accomplishments, particularly her role in Wicked. For now, her stance encourages a culture of kindness and empathy.
