Ariana Grande has spoken before about the intense scrutiny she’s faced over her appearance, and in recent months there has been renewed conversation online about how thin she looks. Now, after wrapping up this chapter of her career, she’s said she’ll be stepping back from the spotlight for a while. It raises an important question: when does concern become harmful speculation?
It’s okay to say someone looks different, but none of us knows what’s happening in their personal life or health.
There are many reasons someone’s body can change, stress, medication, illness, grief, genetics, lifestyle changes, and it’s not our place to diagnose someone from photos.
If someone is struggling, thousands of strangers analysing their body probably isn’t helpful.
Have we normalised commenting on people’s bodies too much? Whether someone gains weight or loses it, why do we feel entitled to an explanation?