Ariana Grande raises concerns with alarmingly thin figure in Petal music video: 'Her bones are popping out'

Ariana Grande has drawn widespread attention and concern following the release of her new music video for the track Petal, which features the singer appearing significantly thinner than in recent public appearances. The video, directed by Christian Breslauer, depicts Grande as the character Pepper, an ambitious young woman navigating the cutthroat world of auditions. After being repeatedly rejected and criticized by industry figures, Pepper turns to violence, using a chainsaw to kill the men who have judged her harshly. The video ends with Pepper returning to a waiting room, where she receives praise from other auditionees. Grande, 33, appears extremely gaunt throughout the video, with fans noting that her bones seem to be protruding. Comments on social media have highlighted the alarming nature of her appearance, with some likening her to the late musician Karen Carpenter. One fan wrote, “This is like looking at Karen Carpenter and everyone was like [shrug].” Another expressed shock, stating, “Shocking and heartbreaking,” while a third urged, “For the love of God, please eat something.” A particularly pointed remark was, “Her bones are literally popping out.” Despite the focus on her physical state, some fans have defended Grande, arguing that public scrutiny of her body is inappropriate. One commenter stated, “If y’all actually cared about her you wouldn’t be publicly making comments about her body.” Others have called out what they see as a double standard, with one user noting, “The irony of all the girls over 200 pounds saying she’s ‘unhealthy’. You think being 200 pounds is healthy? Good lord, the jealousy is screaming from you guys!” The music video is part of Grande’s eighth studio album, Petal, which was released on Friday. The album includes the lead single Hate That I Made You Love Me, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The album marks a continuation of Grande’s artistic evolution, though the visual narrative of Petal has sparked intense debate among fans and critics alike. Grande has previously spoken candidly about her relationship with her body and the pressures she faces. In a 2024 interview with YouTuber Sally, she discussed the constant scrutiny surrounding her appearance. “There's a comfortability that people have commenting on that that I think is really dangerous,” she said. She reflected on the long-standing criticism she has faced since her early career, describing it as feeling like “being a specimen in a petri dish.” She acknowledged that even small aspects of her appearance have been subject to judgment, and noted that such commentary is harmful in today’s society. In a 2023 TikTok post, Grande addressed concerns about her weight, explaining that older photographs of her, where she appeared less slim, were taken during a period of poor mental health. She mentioned that she had been taking antidepressants and undergoing treatment for anxiety and depression. This explanation has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing support and understanding, while others continue to question the implications of her current physique. Grande’s image in 2018, which she described as an “unhealthy” time, contrasts sharply with her appearance in the Petal video. Her 2020 photos show a more rounded figure, further emphasizing the dramatic shift in her physicality. As discussions about her health and appearance continue, the broader conversation around body image and the pressures placed on celebrities remains relevant. The situation underscores the complex interplay between personal well-being, public perception, and the entertainment industry’s influence on societal standards.