Ariana Grande Reminds Fans to Love Themselves Amid Body-Shaming Criticism

Ariana Grande is advocating for change among critics who focus on appearances. The Wicked: For Good star recently resurfaced a message she posted during the promotional tour for the first Wicked movie nearly a year ago, addressing body-shaming remarks. She shared on Instagram Stories on November 29, Resharing this from last year as a loving reminder to all.

During a December interview, the 32-year-old singer became emotional reflecting on the scrutiny of her appearance throughout her career. Sitting with co-star Cynthia Erivo for the web series Oui Oui Baguette, Ariana said, I've been in the public eye since I was 16 or 17. I've heard every critique imaginable. You try to fix something, and then it's criticized for another reason.

She emphasized that facing such criticism is not unique to her. Its hard to shield yourself from that noise, and its uncomfortable at any level, she said, calling the normalization of judgment dangerous for everyone involved. Ariana added that her support system helps her maintain confidence and focus on her art.

Despite the positive outlook, Ariana admitted that dealing with fame has been challenging. In a November 5 interview with The New York Times, she noted, Until recently, navigating this was really hard and it took joy away from my career. By learning to separate her public image from her creative work, she feels more inspired and connected to her artistry.

Other Stars Addressing Body Shaming

Many celebrities have spoken out against body-shaming experiences. Reese Witherspoon and ex-husband Ryan Phillippe's daughter posted on TikTok about strangers criticizing her body for being too thin or too heavy, emphasizing that no one deserves to be judged for their appearance.

JoJo Siwa, the Im Good singer, responded to public commentary about her weight, highlighting that human bodies naturally fluctuate due to various factors, including health conditions and medication. Similarly, other stars like the House Bunny actress, Flip or Flops star, and the former Bravo personality have publicly defended themselves from criticism regarding their figures, stressing self-acceptance and boundaries against unsolicited judgments.

Pop stars have also turned their platforms into statements against body shaming. At Manchester Pride 2025, one performer used fashion as a statement, wearing a T-shirt displaying a womans silhouette to silently counter body criticism. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning singers and actors have shared personal experiences of weight scrutiny, calling out both social media trolls and the fashion industry for promoting unrealistic body standards.

Empowering Messages

Many celebrities are advocating body positivity and realistic expectations. Pop stars like Ariana Grande, Lizzo, and Halle Berry have spoken about embracing imperfections, challenging societal standards, and encouraging othersespecially young girlsto appreciate their natural bodies. Ariana emphasized that art and self-worth are separate from outside judgments, while others, including moms and performers, have shared their journeys to normalize diverse body types and discourage online shaming.

The overarching message from these public figures is clear: self-worth is independent of external critique, bodies are naturally diverse, and everyone deserves respect. Celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to counter harmful narratives and to promote self-love and empowerment across the industry.

Author: Sophia Brooks