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 stated 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. However, amid renewed public scrutiny of the singer’s health, especially on social media, her representative indicated that she desires a “much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances” following her “Eternal Sunshine” tour, which wraps in London on September 1.
“We can confirm that she has decided to step back from ‘Sunday in The Park with George’,” producers stated in a message shared on the show’s official X account, without detailing the 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 continued, adding that the show would proceed as planned and casting would be announced “in due course.” “We wish her nothing but the best.”
Grande’s representative informed 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 public appearances have “led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” Fans have expressed growing concern for her health, particularly following the release of a music video for “Petal” on Friday, in which the pint-sized singer appears to have lost significant weight. Grande has previously remarked that body-shaming comments are “really dangerous.”
She began her career as a teenager 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 that Grande was engaged 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
