Ariana Grande’s planned break away from the public eye will be spent with those closest to her, especially her boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez.
The singer announced her intention to escape the spotlight for a while following heightened scrutiny about her aggressive weight loss.
While concerns about Grande’s health continue to abound, the former child star assures her fans that her hiatus has nothing to do with the pressures of fame.
Amid speculations that Grande might spend her time away in rehab, a close source clarified that the singer plans to be surrounded by her loved ones.
“She’ll be spending a lot of time with her family, friends and Ricky,” explained the insider, who noted that her schedule over the past months prevented quality time.
“She [Grande] and Ricky haven’t been able to spend as much time together as she would have liked over the past few months, so she’s looking forward to having more uninterrupted time with him,” the source told Page Six.
The lovebirds are still basking in the euphoria of their love, having reconnected last month, ten years after their initial breakup.
Apart from bonding with Alvarez, Grande is said to be eager to experience her day-to-day without restrictions.
“She’s looking forward to having more freedom in her day and being able to make plans without constantly working around such a demanding schedule,” added the informant.
Ariana Grande On The Truth Of Her Break: ‘Not Impulsive’
An insight into how the Nickelodeon alum plans to spend her respite comes after she directly addressed the ongoing rumors that she was forced to take a step back.
Following the release of the music video for “Petal,” fans heavily voiced concerns about Grande’s physical appearance, crying that she appeared emaciated and frail.
Shortly after, reps for the artist announced that Grande will take “a step back from visibility” after ending her Eternal Sunshine tour on September 1.
While on stage during her stop at Chicago’s United Center venue, Grande spoke to the ongoing chatter, explaining her decision to fans. “Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion,” she began, per The Blast.
The “Just Like Magic” songstress added, “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It was something that I have decided. A plan that I had quietly made a long time ago.”
The 33-year-old, who described her move as “empowered,” then shut down claims that the negativity was getting to her. “I just have to say that could not be more the far opposite. This is not what that is,” Grande declared.
The Singer Has Support From Her Closest Ally
Ariana’s announcement has since been met with mixed reactions, with some regarding it as the right move while others insist she succumbed to bullying.
Nevertheless, the “Sam & Cat” star has the stamp of approval from her inner circle, with her mom Joan Grande speaking up after her emotional revelation.
As The Blast reported, the doting matriarch offered praises for her daughter’s latest project, particularly the newly released music video that got tongues wagging.
Joan took to social media to give a shout-out to her famous daughter, writing in the comment section, “You are magnificent… and this video is incredible!! I love it, and I love you more!!!”
Ariana Grande’s Brother Sparks Backlash for Tone-Deaf Post
Amid Joan’s public support, not everyone in the Grande clan seemed to be sensitive to the pop star’s plight.
According to The Blast, the singer’s elder brother Frankie Grande shared a thirst trap amid the heavy scrutiny his sister is dealing with.
The actor took to social media to post images during a gym session and afterward. In one snap, Frankie was completely nude with just a towel covering his private area, while another showed him sweaty in short workout clothes.
Fans wasted no time expressing displeasure with the post, with some accusing him of flaunting his healthy body while his sister suffers.
“Go look after your sister rather than seeking attention online. You have leeched off of her for years, but you’re still here all about yourself in her time of need?!!” one harsh comment read.
Trisha Paytas Defends Grande From Trolls
While Frankie has remained quiet on the subject of his sister’s look, some notable voices in the industry have come to her defense.
Influencer Trisha Paytas dropped her two cents on the conversation, taking to social media to bash body shamers who feel comfortable speaking on a stranger’s physique.
Per The Blast, the media personality blamed the use of GLP-1 medications for the rise in “body checking” in Hollywood. Nevertheless, Paytas noted that it was never right to speak on anyone’s body, even if it is done in good faith.
“Is it alarming? Is it shocking? Yes. I don’t know necessarily if we need to be commenting on it as much as we are,” she said of Ariana’s “Petal” video.
