Ariana Grande Opens Up About Beauty Standards

In a heartfelt moment during a recent interview with French journalist Salima Poumbga, pop superstar Ariana Grande opened up about the relentless beauty standards and harsh criticisms she's faced throughout her career. During the global press tour for the highly anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked,” for which she is a contender for an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actress category, Grande could hardly hold back her tears as she reflected on the impact of online harassment.

“I’ve been in the public eye since I was just a teenager, and it can feel like being observed under a microscope,” she said, visibly emotional. “I've heard it all — every comment about what’s wrong with me. No matter what I do to change it, the criticisms never cease. It’s not just a celebrity problem; it’s something everyone experiences, whether it’s at a family gathering or in public. When someone says, ‘You look different,’ it’s a painful reminder of how toxic these beauty standards can be.”

Emphasizing the Harm of Judgment

Grande emphasized the danger of society's comfort with commenting on others' appearances, stating, "This trend of commenting on how people look or present themselves is harmful to everyone involved. Thankfully, I have a solid support system that helps me recognize my own beauty. However, the pressure is ever-present, and I just refuse to tolerate it anymore. This negativity is not invited into my life; I have bigger things to focus on, like my work and my loved ones."

Cynthia Erivo Speaks Out

Her “Wicked” co-star, Cynthia Erivo, who has been attending the Red Sea Film Festival, also weighed in on the issue. She described online bullying as “quite dangerous,” highlighting the disconnect between online comments and the reality of a person’s experience. “It’s all too easy to hide behind a screen and type away without really knowing someone," Erivo noted. "What others say is never as important as how you see yourself.”

Advocacy for Body Positivity and Mental Health

As Grande and Erivo advocate for body positivity and mental health awareness, their discussions remind us of the ongoing battle against unrealistic beauty standards in the entertainment industry and beyond. "Wicked" is set to hit theaters nationwide, promising not just captivating performances but also a message about self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity.

In a world where social media often fuels negativity, both stars are paving the way for a more compassionate discourse around beauty and self-worth. Watch Grande's full interview and experience the magic of "Wicked" in theaters soon!