International pop sensation and actress Ariana Grande is making a bold statement against her critics. The multi-talented star has once again used her platform to address the persistent issue of body-shaming, amplifying a poignant message she originally shared nearly a year ago.
A Loving Reminder Against Criticism
In a recent update on her Instagram Stories, Ariana Grande chose to reshare a post from the promotional tour of the first Wicked film. She captioned the repost, "Resharing this from last year," adding that it was "as a loving reminder to all." This move is seen as a direct response to the recent wave of online memes and discussions involving her and her co-star, Cynthia Erivo.
The timing of her message is significant, as it comes amidst a flurry of mixed reactions to the public camaraderie between Grande and Erivo during their global press run for Wicked: For Good.
The Emotional Toll of Public Scrutiny
Grande's stance is rooted in years of personal experience. In a deeply emotional interview from last December, the 32-year-old artist reflected on the intense criticism she has faced regarding her appearance since she was a teenager. "I've been doing this in front of the public, and been a specimen in a petri-dish since I was 16 or 17," she revealed while sitting next to Erivo.
She elaborated on the no-win situation created by such scrutiny, stating, "I have heard every version of it, of what's wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it's wrong for different reasons." Grande emphasized that this is a widespread issue, affecting people on various scales, and that "it's hard to protect yourself from that noise."
Finding Strength and Calling for Change
Labeling the normalization of such public speculation as "dangerous for all parties involved," Grande shared her personal coping mechanisms. She credited her strong support system for helping her navigate these challenges. "I'm really lucky to have the support system that I have. And to know and trust that I'm beautiful," she affirmed.
This is not the first time Grande has spoken about the pressures of fame. She recently told The New York Times that stardom has been profoundly challenging, admitting, "Until quite recently, it was really hard for me to navigate," and that the pressure "stripped a lot of joy out of this for me."
Through her actions, Ariana Grande continues to use her voice to advocate for kindness and self-acceptance, hoping to inspire her fans and critics alike to grow into more compassionate individuals.
