The 2019 Billboard Music Award for Top Female Artists responds to body shaming comments with an open and heartfelt Tiktok Video.
The globally renowned pop star Ariana Grande gained attention with her recent weight loss. The clamor surrounding her weight loss rose when she was spotted and photographed in London with her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. Conversations about her weight were further rectified with an Instagram post she made in collaboration with her beauty brand, R.E,M Beauty, to promote multiple products from the brand.
Fans continued to speculate and worry about the God Is A Woman singer after noticing the changes in her appearance after the weight loss. Many body-shaming comments were made after such photos and videos surfaced. After days of public scrutiny, Grande eventually broke her silence.
Taking back control of her narrative
In a Tiktok video the singer posted on April 13, 2023, Grande addressed the body shaming that she experienced the past few days. In a painful video, the pop star admitted that though she is uncomfortable with it, she needed to address the comments about her weight. “I think we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people’s bodies no matter what,” she said.
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She further explained in the video that the body that people were comparing her to was the unhealthiest version of her body. “I was on a lot of antidepressants and drinking on them and eating poorly.” She also stated that it was the lowest point of her life when people considered her healthy based on how she looked.
After being vulnerable— with the hopes of something good comes from her openness, Grande further reminded everyone that healthy can look different. She also reminded everyone about how you never know what someone is going through. “So even if you are coming from a loving place or caring place, that person is probably working on it or has a support system that they are working on it with. You never know, so be gentle with each other,” she said.
Embracing the body and self
As the video comes to an end, Grande extended love to all those who are watching the video. “Sending you guys a lot of love, and I think you’re beautiful no matter what you’re going through, no matter what weight, no matter how you like to do your makeup these days, no matter what cosmetic procedures you’ve had, or not,” she concluded.
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The response video gained 12.1 million views on Tiktok. Aside from views, likes, and comments, Grande gained the support of her fans and everyone who saw the video. Celebrities like Lizzo who has been fighting for the movement her whole career, and now recently Ariana Grande, spotlight the message the movement conveys. Body positivity as a movement still struggles to fit in a society filled with standards that are almost impossible and unattainable to achieve.
Banner photo via Instagram @arianagrande.
