Washington (United States) (AFP) – Pop star Ariana Grande has dropped out of what would have been her debut appearance in London’s West End, the show’s producers said Sunday, as a representative for the singer noted that she wants to take a “step back” from the public eye.
The 33-year-old Grande had been slated to star opposite her “Wicked” castmate Jonathan Bailey in the Stephen Sondheim musical “Sunday in The Park with George” in the summer of 2027 at London’s Barbican theater. But amid renewed public scrutiny of the singer’s health, especially on social media, her representative indicated that she wanted a “much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances” when her “Eternal Sunshine” tour wraps in London on September 1.
“We can confirm that she has decided to step back from ‘Sunday in The Park with George’,” producers said in a statement carried on the show’s official X account, without providing a reason for Grande’s withdrawal. “We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,” the statement added, emphasizing that the show would go ahead as planned and that casting would be announced “in due course.” They concluded, “We wish her nothing but the best.”
Grande’s representative told People magazine that while the Grammy-winning artist is eager to complete her tour, she wishes to take a “step back from visibility,” as her numerous appearances have “led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” Fans have expressed growing concern for her health, particularly following the Friday release of a music video for “Petal,” in which the pint-sized singer appears to have lost significant weight. Grande has previously stated that body-shaming comments are “really dangerous.”
She began her career as a teen on Broadway before embarking on a hugely successful pop career. Her star turn as Glinda in the film adaptation of “Wicked” earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. However, the massive success of the film and its sequel “Wicked: For Good” meant Grande was involved in constant media appearances for the better part of two years.
She is set to appear in the comedy “Focker-in-Law” opposite Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, which hits theaters in November.
© 2024 AFP
