Ariana Grande announces break, Jameela Jamil backlash

Ariana Grande will step back from public life following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour, her representatives announced on August 2, citing "endless, ongoing public scrutiny." The announcement came amid intense public debate about the singer's health and body image, sparked by her new music video and amplified by comments from actress and activist Jameela Jamil.

Grande's team stated she will take "a step back from visibility" after the tour ends. The singer is scheduled to complete the tour with a series of shows in London, concluding on September 1. The statement said Grande looks forward to finishing the tour "both healthily and happily" and then taking "a much-deserved break" from public-facing work. As part of this break, Grande has withdrawn from her planned West End debut. She was set to star opposite her "Wicked" co-star Jonathan Bailey in a revival of "Sunday in the Park with George" at London's Barbican Centre, scheduled for summer 2027. The production's producers confirmed her departure and expressed their understanding and support for her decision.

The announcement followed the release of Grande's music video for her new song "Petal" on July 31. The...