News24 host Rita Panahi criticized pop star Ariana Grande's appearance in a new music video, describing the singer as gaunt and malnourished [1, 2].
The comments highlight ongoing public debates regarding the influence of celebrity imagery on body image and the ethics of producing content that may appear to promote unhealthy weight.
During a broadcast in Australia, Panahi addressed the visuals in Grande's latest project. She said that the singer's weight has plummeted and reached a level that looks unhealthy [1, 2]. Panahi said that while Grande has always been small, the current imagery is a cause for concern [1, 2].
Panahi specifically targeted the decision to publish the footage. She said the images causing concern were not captured by paparazzi, but were instead from a music video that Grande produced, approved, and shared [1, 2].
The host suggested that the release of such imagery could promote a harmful body image to the public [1, 2]. Panahi said there is no other way to put it than that the singer's current physical state appears unhealthy [1, 2].
Grande has not issued a public response to the comments made during the News24 broadcast [1, 2].
“"There’s no denying that her weight has plummeted... now she’s at a level where it looks unhealthy."”
This incident reflects a recurring tension between artistic expression in the music industry and the perceived social responsibility of global influencers. By focusing on the fact that the imagery was 'produced and approved' by the artist, the critique shifts from a commentary on health to a commentary on the intentionality of projecting a specific physical image to millions of followers.
