Ariana Grande addresses planned step back from visibility during Chicago…

Ariana Grande has publicly clarified her decision to step back from public visibility, emphasizing that the move was not impulsive but a carefully considered choice made “quietly, a long time ago.” The 33-year-old singer addressed the announcement during a concert in Chicago on Monday, where she reiterated her commitment to setting boundaries amid what she described as “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”

During the first show of a three-night run in Chicago, Grande read from notes as she spoke to fans, stating, “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I had decided to plan quietly, a long time ago.” She described the decision as “thoughtful and empowered,” adding that it was not influenced by external pressures, including recent discussions about her appearance. The singer’s remarks came days after the release of her single “Petal,” which sparked online conversations about her physical health and weight loss.

Grande’s spokesperson confirmed that the step-back includes her withdrawal from a planned role in the West End production of *Sunday in the Park with George*, a project she had been set to co-star in with Jonathan Bailey. The singer also highlighted her focus on mental and physical well-being, calling her current tour “one of the most healing, beautiful, correct and special experiences” of her life. The Eternal Sunshine Tour, which concludes in London on September 1, will feature a 10-night residency at the O2 Arena.

The pop star addressed concerns about negativity directly, stating, “No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality, or be more real to me than this love that we share.” She reiterated that her decision to step back was not a reaction to public commentary but a necessary pause to prioritize her own needs. “Multiple things can be true at the same time,” she said. “Boundaries need to be set, human beings do need a break sometimes, and also, this can be, and will continue to be, the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.”

Grande’s mother, Joan Grande, publicly supported her daughter’s decision, sharing a series of photos from the “Petal” music video on Instagram. In a caption, she wrote, “You are magnificent… and this video is incredible!! I love it and I love you more!!!” The video, which explores themes of societal expectations and personal growth, was released on July 21 and included a community note directing viewers to resources for eating disorder support. Grande has previously spoken out against body-shaming, condemning “the comfortability that people have commenting on others’ looks” in past interviews.

The singer’s announcement followed a period of intense public attention, including scrutiny over her health and the release of her new album, *Petal*. In the album’s video for the title track, Grande depicted herself as a figure of defiance, murdering critics with a chainsaw—a metaphor she later described as reflecting her frustration with external judgments. During the Chicago concert, she told fans, “I love you, this is what I want always ... the rest of that [commentary] is not mine to carry.”

Grande’s representatives emphasized that her break would allow her to “finish the tour and end it on a high note, both healthily and happily.” The singer also hinted at future projects, including her upcoming film *Focker-In-Law*, set for release in November. However, she did not specify the duration of her hiatus, leaving fans to speculate about her next steps. Despite the uncertainty, Grande’s message remained clear: her priorities now center on self-care and creative fulfillment, unshaken by external noise.