Ariana Grande Says It's Time to Step Away. Honestly, It's Hard to Blame Her
Ariana Grande is stepping back from the spotlight once her Eternal Sunshine Tour wraps up.
Over the last year and a half, the pop star and actress has faced a steady stream of online commentary and criticism focused on her health, weight, and overall appearance. The latest wave came after the music video for her song “Petal” dropped, with many fans expressing concern about her weight in the video.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Grande’s team confirmed she is taking a step back. “a will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” her rep shared in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Sunday.
Grande has about a month left on the current tour, which closes out with a 10-show residency in London.
“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,” the rep added. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
Grande has been going nonstop since around 2022, when she served as a coach on The Voice and landed her role in Wicked. Since then she’s filmed two movies, completed multiple press tours, and released a studio album.
She’s also stepping away from Sunday in the Park with George.
“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,” Empire Street Productions shared in a statement. “We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.”