Ariana Grande Gets Emotional Discussing Body Shaming
Ariana Grande’s emotional response to questions about her weight during the press tour for “Wicked” highlights the pervasive nature of body shaming and its impact on celebrities.
When French reporter Sally inquired how she copes with society’s beauty standards and the pressure women face to always look perfect, the 31-year-old pop star became visibly emotional.
“My goodness. I’m not gonna–” she blurted out, fighting back tears, “Good question.”
The “Side to Side” vocalist received comfort from her “Wicked” co-star Cynthia Erivo, who was present during the interview.
Grande, who has been in the public eye since her teens, confided she’s “kind of been a specimen in a petri dish really since I was 16 or 17, so I have heard it all”.
“I’ve heard every version of it — of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it’s wrong for different reasons. But that’s everything from — even just the simplest thing — your appearance, you know?” she shared, expressing the constant scrutiny and changing expectations.
“It’s hard to protect yourself from that noise when you’re young and you’re hearing all kinds of things,” she continued, emphasizing the difficulty of navigating such intense pressure at a young age.
The Universality of the Struggle
Grande astutely recognized the universality of this struggle, stating, “I think that it’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on,” then adding, “even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner, and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my God, you look skinnier! What happened?’ or ‘You look heavier! What happened?'” She poignantly illustrates how these comments, regardless of intent, can feel hurtful and intrusive
She went on to emphasize the impact of such comments, saying, “Receiving those comments, regardless of who [you are], is horrible.”
“I think in today’s society, there is a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all — commenting on others’ looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes or health or how they present themselves.”
Grande is critical of the casualness with which people judge others’ bodies.
Finding Solace in Support
Despite these constant intrusions, Grande expressed gratitude for a supportive network, sharing, “However, I feel really lucky to have kind of a support system that reminds me that I’m beautiful.”
Grande’s vulnerability invites viewers to consider the impact of body shaming not only on celebrities but on everyone.
Her openness encourages a more empathetic and respectful culture around body image, urging us all to be mindful of the comments we make and to extend kindness and understanding.
What are the impacts of constant criticism and body shaming on mental health?
## Ariana Grande’s Emotional Plea: A Conversation About Body Shaming
**Interviewer:** Ariana Grande’s recent emotional response to a question about body image during the “Wicked” press tour has sparked a powerful discussion about body shaming and its impact, especially on women in the public eye. Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, a sociologist specializing in body image and media representation. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, Ariana Grande’s tears resonated with many. What does this tell us about the pervasiveness of body shaming in our society?
**Dr. Carter:** Ariana’s reaction is a heartbreaking reminder that body shaming is not just a media phenomenon or a problem for young girls; it’s deeply damaging and affects people of all ages, especially those in the public eye who are constantly under scrutiny. Her statement about being a ”specimen in a Petri dish” from a young age highlights the relentless pressure and unrealistic beauty standards imposed on women, particularly celebrities.
**Interviewer:** Grande mentioned the constant criticism and the impossible task of “fixing” her appearance to please others. How does this cycle of criticism contribute to body image issues?
**Dr. Carter:** This cycle is incredibly damaging. It creates a sense of never being good enough, leading to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. It fuels a dangerous obsession with achieving an unattainable ideal, often leading to disordered eating, body dysmorphia, and other mental health issues.
**Interviewer:** What message do you think Ariana Grande’s candidness sends to her fans, especially young girls who may be struggling with similar pressures?
**Dr. Carter:** I believe her honesty is incredibly powerful. It shows young people that they’re not alone in their struggles, and it helps to destigmatize conversations about body image. By sharing her vulnerability, she’s encouraging empathy and understanding, and hopefully inspiring others to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and embrace self-acceptance.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that Ariana Grande’s experience is a wake-up call for us all to be more mindful of the words we use and the messages we perpetuate about body image.
