Ariana Grande is set to step back from public life after completing her current world tour, as she continues to face intense public scrutiny over her physical appearance.
The singer is currently in the middle of a 41-date world tour and recently released her latest studio album, Petal, along with the title track’s music video.
Following the video’s release on Friday, July 31, many fans expressed concern on social media about Grande’s noticeably slimmer appearance, with some commenting on her visible ribcage and speculating about her health.
Addressing the growing attention, a representative for Grande told People that the singer plans to take a break from public-facing work once her tour concludes on September 1.
“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” the representative said.
The statement continued:
“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.
“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
A source close to the singer also told People that Grande is healthy and pointed to her demanding tour schedule as evidence of her ability to perform consistently.
“She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night,” the source said.
The publication also reported that Grande has withdrawn from a planned West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George, in which she was expected to reunite with her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.
A spokesperson for the production confirmed the decision, saying:
“Following this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best.”
Grande has previously addressed public comments about her appearance. In 2023, she urged people to avoid making assumptions about others’ bodies, explaining that photos many considered to depict her at her “healthiest” were actually taken during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
She said at the time that she had been taking antidepressants, drinking alcohol while on the medication, and eating poorly, adding that outward appearance does not necessarily reflect a person’s health.
