Ariana Grande’s mum’s message to ‘magnificent’ singer amid ‘ongoing public scrutiny’

Ariana Grande’s mum has shown her support for her after it was announced that she will be taking a break from the spotlight as scrutiny around her health ramps up. 

The 33-year-old singer shared a series of snaps from her controversial new music video Petal online, with her mum Joan Grande taking to the comments to praise her.

“You are magnificent… and this video is incredible!!” Joan, 69, commented on the post.

“I love it and I love you more!!!”

The supportive message from her mum comes a day after it was confirmed that the 7 Rings hitmaker was stepping back from the spotlight after her Eternal Sunshine tour wraps up in London on September 1. 

The singer has also pulled out of her upcoming West End debut, and a spokesperson for the production has also shown their support for Grande.

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“Empire Street Productions have said 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,” the spokesperson told the Press Association.

“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.”

Grande was scheduled to star in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey next summer. 

While she has pulled out of the show, a source told People she can’t wait to support the team bringing the project to life. 

Her break from “visibility” was confirmed in a statement from her rep released on Sunday, US time.

“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” her rep confirmed People.

“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.

“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

A source close to the singer explained Grande’s tour involves a very physical and athletic performance, which she performs at a healthy and high level.

Grande’s physical appearance and overall health has been a topic of discussion in recent years, but that intensified last week with the release of her music video for the latest single Petal. 

While the clip is bizarre, with Grande taking on the character of Pepper, an aspiring starlet who attends multiple auditions in a bid to become famous.

At one point after yet another failed audition, she returns to the room with a chainsaw and violently dismembers the men in the room. 

But despite the odd nature of the clip, most of the commentary about it was about her appearance, with many fans sharing their concern for her weight in the comments. 

One comment from a fan on social media read that Grande’s “bones are literally popping out” and visible.

It’s not the first time her appearance has come under scrutiny from fans, but in the past Grande has hit back at it. 

In November 2025 she told fans to be cautious about making “dangerous” body shaming comments. 

At the time she reposted a 2024 interview from the Wicked: For Good press tour, where she addressed negative comments about her body on her Instagram Stories. 

At the time she said it was “hard to protect yourself from that noise” when “you’re young and you’re hearing all kinds of things.”

“I think that it’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on,” she said.

“Even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner, and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my God, you look skinnier! What happened?’ or ‘You look heavier! What happened?’

“I think in today’s society, there is a comfortability [sic] 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.”

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