Bill Maher's Ariana Grande Weight Joke Draws Audience Groans

Bill Maher faced criticism after making jokes about Ariana Grande's weight during his opening monologue on Friday's episode of "Real Time With Bill Maher." The comments, which compared the pop star to a "sticklike figure with large eyes" from newly released UFO files, drew audible groans from the studio audience and sparked backlash online.

The controversy stems from a broader public discussion about Grande's appearance that has intensified in recent weeks. Following the release of her music video for "Petal," which showed the singer looking noticeably slim, speculation about her health and weight began circulating. On August 2, Grande's representative announced that the singer would be taking a step back from visibility after completing her Eternal Sunshine tour, citing "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" as a factor in the decision. Grande's team emphasized she was ending her tour on a high note, both healthily and happily, before taking a much-deserved break.

During his monologue, Maher discussed the White House's recent release of additional UFO files. "Triangular craft, weird lights over an army base, a sticklike figure with large eyes," he said, before adding, "Oh, that was...