• In an interview with Crazy Sally, Ariana Grande became emotional as she discussed criticism of her appearance, body shaming and unattainable beauty standards.

• Grande, who has previously expressed opinions about her image, called comments about a person’s appearance “dangerous.”

• “I just don’t invite it anymore,” the singer said of how she’s learned to deal with the critical scrutiny
  

Ariana Grande opens up about the pressure to be perfect in the spotlight.

In a joint interview with Cynthia Erivo, conducted by French content creator Crazy Sally, the said Evil star, 31, choked up as she recalled the criticism she has faced over her appearance over the course of her career.

“I’ve been doing this in public since I was 16 or 17 and I’m a specimen in a petri dish. I’ve heard everything. I’ve heard every version of it,” the singer said after taking a moment to sort out her feelings. “You’re young and you hear all sorts of things.”

“It’s hard to protect yourself from this noise. It’s something that’s uncomfortable no matter what degree you experience it, even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner and someone’s grandma says, “Oh my God, you look thinner, what happened?” or ” You look heavier, what happened?’” she added.

Related: Ariana Grande Says ‘Healthy Can Look Different’ While Addressing Body-Shaming Comments: ‘Be Gentle’

Grande pushed back against the level of “comfort” that society as a whole feels in sharing her opinion about a person’s personal life or appearance, calling it “dangerous for everyone involved.”

She said that over the years she has been able to distance herself from criticism by surrounding herself with loved ones and how she has learned to heal.

“I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have and just know and trust that I’m beautiful. But I know what the pressure of that sound feels like. It has been a constant companion in my life since I was 17. I just don’t invite it anymore. I have work to do, I have a life to live, I have friends to love. I have So much love. It’s not invited, so I’m leaving no room for it.”

Related: Ariana Grande Breaks Down in Tears as She Admits She’s Had ‘Tons’ of Lip Injections: ‘I Used Makeup as a Camouflage’

She also encouraged others to protect their peace. “They’re protecting themselves because no one has the right to say s—,” she said.

Erivo, who in the same interview spoke about applying her experiences as an “alternative and different” black woman to her role as Elphaba, said she was “proud” of Grande for being so honest about the topic.

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In April 2023, Grande posted a rare three-minute confessional on TikTok in which she made comments about her body.

“There are many different ways to look healthy and beautiful. And for me personally, the body that you compared my current body to was the unhealthiest version of my body,” she continued. “I was taking a lot of antidepressants, drinking them and eating poorly and was at the lowest point in my life when I looked what you would consider healthy (sic) but that was actually not my healthy state (sic).”

She continued: “Secondly, you never know what someone is going through. So even if you come from a loving or caring background, that person is probably working on it or has a support system that they’re working with. “You never know, so be gentle with each other and yourself.”

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