Exploring Body Positivity: Lessons from Ariana Grande and Society

Wicked is more than just a dazzling tale—it’s a powerful narrative about empowerment, the strength of friendship, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. Yet, isn’t it tragically ironic that the film’s shining stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, are facing scrutiny not for their remarkable talents or their iconic witch costumes, but rather because some critics claim they appear too thin. During their promotional tour for this much-anticipated musical, their appearances ignited an uproar on social media, with comments dissecting their looks—pointing fingers at sunken cheeks, slender shoulders, and pronounced collarbones.

“I adore Ariana, and I believe we should refrain from commenting on others’ bodies, but it’s hard not to notice that she seems unhealthy,” one fan expressed. “Ariana looks really fragile, and not in a good way,” another chimed in, while a third remarked, “She’s always been petite, but now she seems skeletal. Her hair is even thinning.” “Honestly, both Erivo and Ariana look extremely unwell,” concluded a fourth user, reflecting the growing concern from both fans and critics regarding the health of these talented women.

Why Can’t We Stop Commenting on Celebrities’ Bodies? Is Ozempic and Plastic Surgery to Blame?

Grande and Erivo are far from alone in facing the invasive nature of public opinion regarding their health based on appearances. Back in October 2021, Adele expressed her disappointment over the “brutal conversations” surrounding her weight loss journey, while Jonah Hill urged his followers to pause before commenting on his own body transformation. From Mindy Kaling to Lana Del Rey, Adriana Lima to Jemima Kirke, it seems every time a public figure sheds a few pounds, the rumor mill kicks into high gear, often attributing their change to Ozempic. Remember when Selena Gomez had to defend her softer curves against relentless body-shaming? We seem incapable of holding back our tongues or fingers when it comes to sharing our unsolicited opinions on celebrity bodies—regardless of whether our comments cause harm.

The Habit of Speaking Without Knowing: Ariana Grande Speaks Out

“I was on a lot of antidepressants, drinking and eating poorly, and at my lowest, I looked like what society considers healthy.” These are Ariana Grande’s own words from a heartfelt TikTok video where she implored fans and critics alike to show kindness, avoid superficial judgments, and refrain from engaging in body shaming. She emphasized that what’s often perceived as beautiful or healthy doesn’t necessarily reflect the truth. Our biases and societal beauty standards frequently miss the mark when it comes to genuine health, and even a single comment—be it positive or negative—can trigger deep-seated issues like self-esteem struggles, body dysmorphia, or eating disorders.

Should We Always Stay Silent?

Some argue that expressing our thoughts, including opinions on a celebrity’s weight, is necessary to prevent others from emulating potentially harmful standards. They believe that silence might just shield those who need guidance, as well as alert the star to any underlying issues. Journalist Moya Lothian-McLean articulated this viewpoint, tweeting: “We live in a warped culture where famous women appear dangerously thin, but discussing it is deemed inappropriate.” So where do we draw the line when commenting on someone’s body? Is there room for genuine concern, particularly when public figures appear alarmingly thin? The truth is complex, and many argue that such critiques rarely yield productive outcomes.

Good Intentions Pave the Way to Hell

Is it inherently inappropriate to comment on someone’s appearance? Even when the intention is positive? Experts suggest that while compliments can brighten someone’s day, they can also be damaging. Both positive and negative remarks reinforce the idea that people’s value is linked to their bodies and that there’s an obligation to present ourselves in a certain way to be accepted. This perspective advocates for a more reserved approach—keeping our opinions to ourselves, regardless of whether the individual in question is a celebrity or not. We must remember that even famous faces deal with their own reflections and the relentless scrutiny of a world eager to criticize every fluctuation in weight, every alleged cosmetic tweak, often without an ounce of sensitivity.

Is There a Constructive Way to Comment on Someone’s Appearance?

Publicly dissecting bodies and appearances we deem “wrong” accomplishes little more than perpetuating a cycle of shame for those under scrutiny. As Maura Gancitano articulates in her insightful book, Specchio delle mie brame. La prigione della bellezza: “Our society shoves us towards self-objectification: we become our own harshest critics, viewing our bodies from an external lens, which influences our choices and actions.” We often vent our frustrations, both online and offline, targeting those who don’t conform to the standards we impose on ourselves. Rather than issuing critiques or superficial praises, let’s shift our focus to other aspects of identity. In interviews, Kate Winslet emphasizes that too often, we hear “You look amazing,” equating it strictly with weight or superficial qualities. Instead, let’s start celebrating each other for deeper attributes: “You radiate happiness today” or “Your energy is contagious.” For Kate, what truly matters is how we feel inside and the light we bring into the world. Let’s begin with our friends and acquaintances, and perhaps one day, we can extend this empathy even to our beloved celebrities. It may be a lofty ideal, but it’s a step towards a kinder world.