A Journalist Asked About How Fans Keep Commenting On Ariana Grande’s Body In Wicked. She’s Addressed The Haters Before

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As a devoted fan who has grown up with Ariana Grande’s music and witnessed her journey from Nickelodeon to Broadway, I find it truly inspiring to see her stand against societal pressures and body shaming. Her courage to speak out and advocate for self-love and body positivity is commendable, especially given the scrutiny she has faced since her teenage years in the spotlight.

Since the release of “Wicked” in 2024, shattering box office records, the tale of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship has been resonating worldwide with its themes of self-expression, standing up for oneself, and avoiding judgement based on appearances. Interestingly, the film’s leading actresses, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, have faced numerous critical comments despite this. Recently, when a journalist asked Grande about managing societal expectations for women to maintain an ideal appearance, she responded forcefully. This wasn’t the first time she had addressed such issues.

Ariana Grande Says The Comfort People Have Discussing Others’ Appearances Is ‘Dangerous’

In a recent interview with Sally from Oui Oui Baguette, the cast of Wicked discussed various topics. Notably, Ariana Grande got emotional when questioned about the comments made by fans regarding her body. Grande expressed that such criticisms are not a new experience for her, likening herself to “an object under scrutiny” since the inception of her career as a teenager. She also voiced her thoughts on people’s comfort in passing judgment on matters they have little or no knowledge about, stating:

In modern times, it’s become too commonplace for people to make judgments or comments about others based on their physical attributes, thoughts, personal matters, health, or overall presentation – from clothing to body shape, facial features, and everything else. This casual comfort in such commentary is concerning, as it can be harmful to everyone involved. I believe this practice is potentially dangerous for all parties.

I love that she made a point of it being dangerous for both the person doing the criticizing and for the person receiving the criticism. Ariana Grande may have done it all in her career — from TV to movies to Broadway to music — but even she has struggled to block out the hate. She continued:

I’ve experienced that kind of pressure associated with that noise for quite some time now, ever since I turned 17. Nowadays, I choose not to let it enter my life any longer. It’s unwanted. There are tasks to accomplish, a life to enjoy, friends to cherish, and a wealth of love at my disposal – all things that I prioritize over such pressure. Consequently, I no longer make room for it in my life.

Ariana Grande wishes others could somehow mute the disturbing noise, reminding themselves that they’re more than enough and radiantly beautiful. In closing, she expressed: “May you all find a way to silence the din, and remember your worth and beauty.

Regardless of where you find yourself, whether it’s in person at a family gathering or online, prioritize your well-being and self-preservation. If that means muting certain individuals or even deleting an app altogether, then do so without hesitation for your own safety. No one has the audacity to speak disrespectfully to you, and it’s crucial that you maintain a peaceful environment for yourself.

Cynthia Erivo expressed her pride towards her co-star for boldly addressing the topic (and truthfully, the entire conversation is commendable and deserves multiple re-watches), but it’s not the first instance where Ariana Grande has openly discussed this matter with fans.

Ariana Grande Previously Warned That ‘You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through’

In April 2023, Ariana Grande gained widespread attention due to a TikTok video where she spoke about the comparisons drawn between her appearance at that time and her healthier physique from earlier years. She emphasized once more that seemingly benign remarks could be harmful because “you never know what someone might be dealing with.” In her message to fans, she urged:

If someone appears to be struggling, despite their background of care and love, they might be addressing their issues or have a network helping them through. Let’s show kindness towards one another and practice self-compassion as well.

In the conversation with Sally, Ariana Grande suggested that instead of commenting on people’s physical appearances during interactions, it would be more appropriate to find alternative methods of compliments or simply remain silent if one isn’t pleased.

Using the powerful messages of self-empowerment and vocal expression that are central to the story of “Wicked”, Ariana Grande is setting an example by speaking up against those who seem to be misunderstanding the film’s key themes. Perhaps it would be beneficial for us all to revisit some of the soundtrack’s most poignant songs as we eagerly anticipate the release of “Wicked Part 2”.

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2024-12-06 19:07