April 12, 2023 | Reading time: 3 minutes | News Desk
from judging appearances to prioritizing kindness, privacy and mental well-being.
Backlash Over ‘Body Shaming’ Comments: Ariana Grande Issues Strong Response to Critics
Pop star Ariana Grande has delivered a firm, emotional response to a wave of body shaming and speculation about her appearance, after social media users flooded platforms with comments claiming she looked “sick,” “unhealthy” and “too thin.”(Los Angeles Times)In a rare, candid TikTok video, the singer asked fans and followers to stop commenting on people’s bodies altogether — even when they believe they’re being “kind” or “concerned.”“We should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people’s bodies”
Grande opened her video by admitting she doesn’t usually address such topics publicly, but said the volume of recent remarks about her figure left her feeling she needed to speak up.(Los Angeles Times)“I don’t do this often. I don’t like it. I’m not good at it,”The Grammy winner then delivered a clear message to fans and critics alike:
she said, before explaining how invasive constant scrutiny can feel for anyone living “in a body” in the public eye.(Los Angeles Times)
- People should stop commenting on bodies — whether they think someone looks “healthy,” “unhealthy,” “big,” “small,” “sexy” or “not sexy.”
- Even “well-intentioned” remarks can be harmful, she stressed, adding that there are better ways to compliment someone that don’t fixate on their physical appearance.(Fox News)
“The body you called ‘healthy’ was my unhealthiest”
Responding directly to those who circulated older photos of her and claimed she “used to look healthier,” Grande revealed that the period many fans idealize was actually one of the darkest times in her life.(Los Angeles Times)She explained that in those images she was:- On a lot of antidepressants
- Drinking while on medication
- Eating poorly
- “At the lowest point” of her life
- There are many ways to look healthy and beautiful
- Outsiders usually have no idea what someone is going through, physically or mentally
- No one should have to explain their health history just to stop strangers from judging their appearance(Los Angeles Times)
A wider message about beauty standards and mental health
Throughout the video, Grande broadened her comments beyond her own experience, turning the moment into a general appeal against body shaming:- She reminded viewers that “you never know what someone is going through” — including mental health struggles, trauma or ongoing treatment.(Fox News)
- She noted that many people already have a support system and professional help, and don’t need unsolicited diagnoses from strangers on the internet.(Fox News)
Why her response matters
Grande’s video has been widely shared as part of a broader backlash against online body policing, resonating with:- Fans who have faced similar scrutiny over weight changes
- Public figures pushing back against rigid beauty standards
- Mental health advocates who argue that “concern” comments can be triggering or intrusive
from judging appearances to prioritizing kindness, privacy and mental well-being.
