Ariana Grande became emotional as she responded to the widespread criticism she has faced surrounding her body and appearance.
The Wicked star, who has led most of her life in the spotlight, is no stranger to this type of scrutiny and constantly carries the weight of the world’s beauty standards on her shoulders, like so many women do.
Recently, the Wicked press tour has been shrouded in commentary about the singer and actress’ appearance – commentary Grande says is “dangerous”.
Watch the video above.
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In a new interview with French journalist and influencer Crazy Sally, Grande was asked how she deals with “overwhelming” beauty standards and criticism.
“My goodness … it’s a good question,” she started while fighting back tears.
“I’ve been doing this in front of the public, been a specimen in a petri dish since I was 16 or 17. I have heard it all.
“I’ve heard every version of it, of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, then it’s wrong for different reasons.”
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Grande continued passionately, expressing that it’s not just women on the global stage who experience these pressures. Rather, it’s a universal experience.
“It’s hard to protect yourself from that noise. It’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on,” she continued.
“Even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner and someone’s granny says, ‘You look skinnier, what happened?’ or, ‘You look heavier, what happened?’
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“That is something that is uncomfortable and horrible no matter where it’s happening, no matter the scale it’s happening on.”
Grande continued to comment on how normalised comments like this are in society and how harmful they can be.
“I think in today’s society, there’s a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all commenting on others’ looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes or health, or how they present themselves. From what you’re wearing, to your body, to your face,” she said.
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“There’s a comfortability that people have of commenting on that that I think is really dangerous and I think it’s dangerous for all parties involved.”
Despite years of dealing with these pressures, Grande is grateful to have plenty of people in her corner.
“And I think that I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have and to just know and trust that I am beautiful.”
“And so are you, and so are you,” she added, referring to her costar Cynthia Erivo and the interviewer.
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“But I do know what the pressure of that noise feels like. It’s been a resident in my life since I was 17 and I just don’t invite it in anymore, it’s not welcome,” she added.
“I have work to do, I have a life to live I have friends to love on, I have so much love. And it’s not invited so I don’t leave space for it any more.”
For those who may feel bogged down by the weight of society’s beauty standards, Grande says to do what you can “to protect yourselves from that noise.
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“Whether it’s at a family reunion or online, if you’ve got to block people, I don’t care if you have to delete the app entirely,” she said.
“You keep yourself safe cause no one has the right to say s**t.”
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