Trisha Paytas has addressed the online discussions surrounding Ariana Grande’s physical appearance.
“I think the internet has become very comfortable discussing bodies, especially women’s bodies,” Paytas, 38, expressed in a TikTok video on Sunday, August 3. This came after news broke that Grande would not be participating in a West End production of the musical Sunday in the Park With George next year.
Paytas pointed out that while “Fat people or even larger or even like midsize-to-larger people have always been getting the body-shaming,” the scrutiny or “body-checking” of smaller individuals is now “more intense.”
Grande’s recent appearance in her “Petal” music video, released on Friday, July 31, sparked renewed discussion about her physique, according to Paytas. “Many have commented on her new ‘Petal’ video where her collarbones and chest bones are visible,” she noted. “Is it concerning? Is it startling? Yes. But perhaps we should reconsider how much we discuss it.”
Paytas emphasized that her comments were not specifically targeting Ariana but rather the general practice of commenting on physiques.
“It’s evident, isn’t it?” she remarked about individuals who appear “extremely thin.”
“Everyone, including those around them, can see it,” the podcaster added. “Admitting there’s a problem can be challenging both to oneself and to the public. If someone has an issue, they’re likely aware of it.”
“People who have always been thin and become even thinner are aware of it, even if they suffer from body dysmorphia. It consumes their thoughts,” noted Paytas.
There’s no shame in loving your body. Thankfully, more Hollywood stars than ever before are preaching that message, and they won’t let body-shaming comments slide anymore. Lizzo has been vocal about trying to help people accept all body sizes. “I want to normalize my body. And not just be like, ‘Ooh, look at this cool […]
Paytas continued, “I don’t think commenting on people’s bodies is helpful. It doesn’t encourage them to seek help or address the problem. Remarks like ‘You look sick’ or ‘We see your bones’ can actually enable the issue.”
“I believe this commentary on bodies needs to stop unless the person themselves is discussing it,” Paytas concluded. “If people aren’t acknowledging weight loss, transformation surgeries, or GLP-1s, then it shouldn’t be a topic for public discussion. It doesn’t help anyone.”
On Sunday, Grande’s representative revealed that the Grammy-winning artist will be taking a break from public appearances following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. The representative stated that this decision was made to allow her a “much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”
Grande’s tour is set to end on September 1 in London.
If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Eating Disorders (NEDA) website or call their hotline at (800) 931-2237 to get help.
