Ariana Grande Addresses Fans After Announcing Pause From Public Life: ‘Need a Break Sometimes’

Ariana Grande is speaking out. On Monday, Aug. 3, the singer addressed her fans directly during her Eternal Sunshine Tour stop in Chicago one day after her representative released a statement saying that she will be taking a break from public life following the conclusion of her tour. “She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily and then taking a much deserved break from public facing work and appearances which has lead to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the statement added. It was also announced Sunday that Grande will be withdrawing from the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George,” which she was set to star in opposite “Wicked” castmate Jonathan Bailey. In concert footage posted online, the Oscar nominee paused the Monday night show to clarify her decision. “Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion. So, I just wanted to speak to my friends directly tonight because I love you so much and it means a lot to me,” she began, adding, “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I had decided – it’s a plan that I had quietly made a long time ago. And it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place. And I want you to know that many, many things can be true at the same time.”