Ariana Grande faces renewed criticism after reposting “loving reminder” about body-shaming
Photo: AFP
Ariana Grande is receiving renewed criticism after resharing a “loving reminder” about body-shaming, a message she first issued during the press campaign for the initial Wicked film.
The repost, shared on Instagram Stories on November 29, was intended to encourage compassion, but it has also reignited debate around her appearance and the wider impact of celebrity health messaging.
“resharing this from last year ♡ as a loving reminder to all” — ariana grande via instagram stories pic.twitter.com/m5sSMX2HGO
The singer revisited comments she made in a December interview in which she reflected on growing up under intense public scrutiny. She said, "I've been doing this in front of the public, and been a specimen in a petri-dish 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."
She added that criticism is “uncomfortable no matter what scale you're experiencing it on” and described the normalisation of speculation as “dangerous for all parties involved.”
She also acknowledged the pressure of fame, saying, "I'm really lucky to have the support system that I have, and to know and trust that I'm beautiful," while admitting that until recently “it was really hard for me to navigate” the demands of public life. Grande said her renewed focus on her work has helped her separate her identity from outside judgement.
However, some online responses have been sharply critical. Among the reactions circulating across platforms, one comment stated, "Bodyshaming is never ok but she needs to stop the bodychecking and lying about her health."
Another wrote, "She is directly causing children to start ‘dieting’ so I think the criticisms are justified." Others expressed concern about the influence of drastic physical changes, saying, "People shouldn't be rude, but her and her costars have genuinely had such drastic changes which is concerning."
Another widely shared view argued, "If you are a celebrity in a sick body insisting that it’s a normal body—we need to call that out." Critics raising these points say their concern is less about appearance and more about public responsibility, particularly regarding the risks of eating disorders.
While Ariana’s message aimed to redirect attention toward empathy and reduce harmful commentary, the renewed discussion shows how complex and emotionally charged these conversations remain for audiences and public figures alike.