Ariana Grande Announces Break from Public Life After Tour

Ariana Grande addressed her fans during a concert on Monday night, choosing to clarify recent news about her taking a break from the public eye after the Eternal Sunshine tour. Performing at Chicago’s United Center, she shared that some things “can get a little blown out of proportion.” She explained that her decision to step back was made “quietly a long time ago” and not as a reaction or impulse.

Reading from her phone, Grande emphasized the thoughtfulness behind her decision, stating, “It was a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place. And I want you to know that many things can be true at the same time.”

On Sunday, it was revealed Grande had withdrawn from her role in Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park With George, which was set to open in London in 2027 at the Barbican theater. This news followed her breakup with Ethan Slater, her co-star from Wicked, and the release of her album Petal. Speculations about her health and appearance increased online.

Grande had previously expressed her discomfort with public scrutiny over her weight, mentioning in a 2023 TikTok video the need for people to be more considerate when discussing others’ bodies.

A representative stated to People magazine that Grande, 33, will step back after concluding the Eternal Sunshine tour. “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” remarked the representative.

Continuing on stage, Grande reassured her worried fans, “Multiple things can be true at the same time: boundaries need to be set, human beings can need a break sometimes, and also, this can be and will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.” The crowd responded with cheers.

The Eternal Sunshine tour is set to end on September 1 in London with a 10-night stay at the renowned O2 Arena.