Bill Maher, host of the U.S. talk show "Real Time," drew boos from his studio audience after joking about Ariana Grande's weight, saying the joke might get her to eat something.
Maher made the remark during the "Real Time" broadcast on Friday, August 7, while discussing a new batch of UFO files released by the United States government.
In his opening monologue, Maher said he hoped aliens were really here and watching over people, and that he hoped they would come to save everyone. He then turned to the government's release of new UFO files that week, saying the documents contained interesting material, including triangular ships and strange lights over a military base.
Maher also shared a post about the segment on August 8. "The White House released a new wave of UFO files. Sightings include a triangular craft in the sky, high-speed orbs near an army base, and a stick-like figure with large eyes, but that was just Ariana Grande," he wrote.
Back on the show, Maher told the audience he was joking, then added that the joke might get Grande to eat something. The comment was met with disapproval from the crowd.
Grande's planned break from the spotlight
Maher's comment came just days after Grande's team announced the singer would step back from public life once her "Eternal Sunshine" tour ends. A representative for Grande said on August 2 that one reason for the decision was the constant public criticism she has faced.
According to the representative, Grande will withdraw from public life once the Eternal Sunshine tour is complete. The representative said Grande is looking forward to finishing the tour and closing it out in the best way possible, both healthy and happy, before taking the break she badly needs from public appearances and the professional activities that require a public presence, which have led to constant, ongoing public criticism. The representative added that the tour has been a wonderful experience for Grande, that she loves her fans and has loved every minute of it.
Grande explains her decision in Chicago
Grande addressed the decision herself during a concert in Chicago, telling fans it was not an impulsive reaction but a choice she had made some time ago.
She told the crowd that when a story spreads that does not come directly from her, things can sometimes get blown out of proportion, which is why she wanted to speak to her fans directly that night, because she loves them so much. She said the announcement made the day before was not a reactive or impulsive decision, but something she had decided and planned, something she had quietly decided a long time ago, made with thought and from a position of strength.
Criticism over her appearance in the 'Petal' video
Grande's decision to step back comes as she faces intense comments about her appearance and health. Her image in the video for her song "Petal" drew particular attention, with fans expressing concern over how thin she appeared, describing it as shocking and heartbreaking.
