Comedian Bill Maher sparked varied reactions during “Real Time” on Friday when he made a joke about Ariana Grande’s weight.
During his opening monologue, Maher remarked, “I hope the aliens are here, I do. I hope they’re here and watching us and they’re going to save us.” He continued, mentioning that the administration had released new UFO files, which included sightings of triangular crafts and unusual lights over an army base. Maher then quipped, “Oh, that was just an Ariana Grande video.”
The audience responded with laughter and applause to this joke, but his subsequent comment, “Please, we kid. We kid. Maybe that joke will make her eat something,” received groans for crossing a line.
On August 2, a representative for Grande revealed that she plans to “step back from visibility” following her Eternal Sunshine tour, citing “ongoing public scrutiny” as a contributing factor.
“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” stated Grande’s representative. “She is eager to finish the tour on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then take a well-earned break from public-facing work and appearances, which have resulted in endless, ongoing public scrutiny. The tour has been a wonderful experience for her. She loves her fans and has cherished every moment of this tour.”
At a performance at Chicago’s United Center on Monday night, the “Wicked” star elaborated on her reasons for stepping away from the public eye.
“Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion. So I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing,” Grande explained to the audience. “It is something I had planned quietly a long time ago and is a decision made from a thoughtful and empowered place.”
