Ariana Grande Responds to Body-Shaming with Heartfelt Message

Ariana Grande is hoping to inspire change among those who have criticized her looks.

The star of Wicked: For Good addressed persistent body-shaming remarks by sharing a heartfelt note she originally posted during the promotional tour for the first Wicked film almost a year ago.

On November 29, she reposted on her Instagram Stories, “Sharing this from last year as a loving reminder to everyone.”

In a December interview, the 32-year-old artist became emotional discussing how her appearance has been scrutinized throughout her career in the spotlight.

“I’ve been in the public eye like a specimen under a microscope since I was 16 or 17,” she shared while chatting with co-star Cynthia Erivo on the web series Oui Oui Baguette. “I’ve heard every critique imaginable about what’s supposedly wrong with me. Then you try to fix it, and suddenly it’s wrong for other reasons.”

The singer behind “No Tears Left to Cry” also recognized that such criticism is an experience many face.

“It’s tough to shield yourself from that kind of noise,” she added, “and it’s uncomfortable no matter how big or small the scale of it is.”

She described the acceptance of such harmful scrutiny as “dangerous for everyone involved,” explaining how she copes with negativity.

“I’m fortunate to have a strong support system,” Ariana said, “and to feel confident in my own beauty.”

Despite her optimistic perspective, she recently admitted the challenges that come with fame have been difficult to handle at times.

“Until recently, it was really hard for me to manage,” she revealed in a November 5 interview with The New York Times. “It took a lot of joy away from what I do.”

Thankfully, Ariana has learned to separate her public image from her art, which has brought her newfound inspiration.

“I’ve never felt this deeply connected to my craft,” she explained. “It’s a gift to realize I don’t have to absorb the negativity directed at me. I can focus on my music as something apart. But I had to give myself permission to see it that way.”

Alongside Ariana, many celebrities have spoken out against body-shaming. Here are some of their stories.

Ava Phillippe

The daughter of Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe took to TikTok on May 3 to share her experience with contradictory body comments.

“I hit a big milestone as a woman online,” Ava said. “I saw two strangers comment on my body — one said I’m too fat and should get on Oz*mpic, and the other said I’m starving myself because I’m too thin. My weight didn’t change between those comments, and honestly, it’s none of their business if it did.”

She emphasized, “No one deserves to be judged for their appearance. You never know what someone’s been through. Your beauty is beyond these shallow standards.”

Other Celebrities Speak Out

The singer behind “I’m Good” responded to critics after being called out for gaining weight. Posting on June 23, she said, “I know I gained weight. I’m just so tired of people commenting on it. NEXT!”

She further explained, “Weight fluctuates naturally, and you don’t know what people might be dealing with — medication, illness, and so forth.”

Similarly, the House Bunny actress confronted accusations of being too thin after posting a photo. She addressed the comments directly, calling out body-shaming behavior as unacceptable.

“Telling me I’m too skinny or need to eat is harmful and completely body-shaming,” she wrote. “I won’t tolerate any form of body-shaming.”

She later shared a bikini photo with a message to her detractors: “For the haters… with love and gratitude, I’ll keep smiling.”

Additional Voices Against Body-Shaming

In February 2021, the actress faced pregnancy rumors based on photos but firmly denied them, challenging the media’s right to speculate on women’s bodies.

The Flip or Flop star also addressed comments about her weight on social media, reassuring fans that her physique reflects her normal state after having children.

Meanwhile, singer Nelly Furtado responded to body criticism by wearing a T-shirt at Manchester Pride 2025 featuring a bold silhouette, making a statement without words.

After her breakup with Jim Edmonds, the former Bravo star asked fans to stop commenting on her figure, explaining that she prioritizes her children and deserves respect.

When called “too skinny,” she highlighted her ballet and fitness routines as part of her lifestyle and mental well-being.

“If you don’t want criticism, you’re in the wrong place,” she said. “I focus on what’s good for me and leave the rest behind.”

Other artists like Lizzo and Halle Berry have also shared powerful messages about body positivity, confronting negative remarks with humor and strength.

From embracing imperfections to challenging unrealistic beauty standards, these stars continue to promote self-love and acceptance in the face of body-shaming.