Ariana Grande taking break from public appearances, exits West End show amid 'public scrutiny'
Ariana Grande plans to step back from public appearances after completing The Eternal Sunshine Tour, her representative confirmed to ABC News.
The singer will also no longer star in the upcoming West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Sunday in the Park with George," where she had been set to reunite with her "Wicked" co-star Jonathan Bailey.
"Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour," her representative said in a statement to ABC News on Sunday.
"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," the statement continued. "This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much."
A source close to Grande said the singer is disappointed to leave the production but remains supportive of the creative team.
"She cannot wait to support the brilliant team bringing this project to life," the source added.
The representative did not specify what prompted Grande's decision to step back, though the statement cited "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" tied to her public-facing work and appearances.
Grande's appearance has been the subject of public discussion and body-shaming in recent years, with renewed online commentary following the release of the music video for her latest single, "Petal," from her newly released album of the same name.
The Grammy winner has previously addressed comments about her body, including in her 2024 song "Yes, And?," in which she sings, "Don't comment on my body."
Grande launched her The Eternal Sunshine Tour in June in Oakland, California. After wrapping up the remaining U.S. dates, she will head to London, where the tour is scheduled to conclude Sept. 1.
The tour marks Grande's return to the stage after several years focused on acting and recording music, including her starring role as Glinda in the "Wicked" films.
After the tour concludes, Grande is next set to appear on the big screen in "Focker-in-Law," the latest installment of the "Meet the Parents" franchise, alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters Nov. 25.
