Ariana Grande says planned break from the spotlight was "not reactive"
Ariana Grande has told fans her decision to step back from public life after her tour was planned well in advance, saying it was "not reactive or impulsive" but a necessary break.
Ariana Grande has reassured fans that her decision to step back from public life after her Eternal Sunshine Tour was carefully planned and not a reaction to recent speculation surrounding her health or appearance.
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Speaking to fans during a concert in Chicago on Monday, the singer addressed the announcement for the first time, explaining that the decision "was not a reactive or impulsive thing" but something she had planned "quietly, a long time ago."
Grande said she wanted to speak directly to her fans to prevent misunderstandings, adding that reports suggesting recent negativity had influenced her decision were inaccurate.
"I heard my fans were worried negativity was ruining things for me, but that could not be more the opposite," she told the audience.
"Boundaries need to be set. Human beings do need a break sometimes."
The 33-year-old described her Eternal Sunshine Tour as "one of the most healing, beautiful and special experiences" of her life and thanked fans for their continued support, saying their love was more important than "any noises" from outside.
Over the weekend, Grande's representative announced that she would take a break from public appearances once the tour concludes in London on 1 September, citing the "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" she has faced in recent years.
As part of that decision, Grande has also withdrawn from the planned London production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George, where she had been due to star alongside her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey.
The production will go ahead with a replacement yet to be announced.
Despite stepping back from the spotlight, Grande is expected to return to the big screen later this year in Focker-in-Law, the latest instalment of the Meet the Parents film series.