Ariana Grande has been a global superstar for over a decade, dazzling fans with her powerful voice and signature style. But beyond the music, she has also had to deal with constant criticism of her appearance. In a world where celebrities are constantly judged for how they look, body shaming has become a harsh reality—one that Grande has had to confront time and time again. Now, she has an unexpected but fierce defender: Aunt D, the mother of social media personalities Shay and Bria.
Aunt D is not one to keep quiet if she sees some injustice. Recently, she took to social media to speak out against the negativity aimed at Ariana Grande, making it known that she will not tolerate body shaming.
“Ariana Grande is a sweet, sweet, lovely human being, You don’t know anything about her and anything she’s ever gone through.”
Aunt D fired back in a passionate defense.
Ariana Grande has been in the public eye since her teenage years. From her Nickelodeon days to becoming one of the biggest names in pop music, her looks have always been up for debate. But in the last few years, the criticism has only intensified.
In December 2024, Grande discussed the endless body shaming she has to endure, and how exhausting and overwhelming it has been. She pointed out that people have gotten too comfortable talking about others’ bodies without considering the harm that can be done.
“This is really hurtful and dangerous for everyone involved,”
Grande said, asking others to be kinder with their comments.
She had spoken about this before. In April 2023, she posted an emotional TikTok video asking people to not comment on others’ bodies. She explained that when most thought she looked her “healthiest,” she was not in a good place—in antidepressants, drinking, and eating poorly.
There is such pressure to maintain a certain image for female artists, especially those in the pop sphere. Grande has discussed the unrealistic beauty standards placed upon women and how damaging they are.
“There’s this expectation for women in the industry to look a certain way, and if they change in any way, people feel like they have the right to criticize them,” a fan defended Grande on social media.
Grande’s appearance has evolved from her red-haired Nickelodeon days to her signature high ponytail and dramatic makeup looks. Some fans have noticed some recent shifts in her style, leading to unwarranted speculation about her health. But as Grande has stated time and time again, no one needs to fit an outdated ideal of “perfection.”
Despite the negativity, Grande continues to use her platform to spread positivity and self-love. Her music has always been a reflection of her emotions, and she has never been afraid to address real-life problems in her songs.
Her new songs are expected to focus more on perseverance and self-acceptance. Her fans speculate that she will use her lyrics to send a powerful message about ignoring the critics and being yourself. If there is one thing that Ariana Grande has proven time and time again, it is that she will not let negativity define her.
Aunt D’s advocacy for Grande isn’t just about one celebrity—it’s about setting a precedent for how individuals should treat others. During a time when social media has made it easy to spread negativity, voices like Aunt D’s matter in reminding people to choose kindness over criticism.
