Ariana Grande addresses concern after stepping back from public appearances

Ariana Grande has reassured fans that her decision to step back from the public eye was carefully considered, saying it was "not a reactive or impulsive thing."

The singer addressed fans during a performance in Chicago on Monday (August 3), a day after announcing that she would be suspending future public appearances. A fan-recorded video of her remarks was later shared on her Instagram Stories.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

"The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing," Grande said. "It is something that I had decided to plan... a long time ago."

The 33-year-old added that the decision came from "a thoughtful and empowered place," prompting an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Grande also responded to concerns from fans who believed online negativity had influenced her decision.

"I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but that could not be more the opposite," she said. "Boundaries do need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes."

She thanked her supporters, adding, "No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality, or be more real to me or louder to me than this love that we share. I love you."

Grande's comments came after her representative confirmed to People magazine that the singer would be "taking a step back from visibility."

The announcement has coincided with renewed online discussion about Grande's health following the release of the music video for her latest single, "Petal," which prompted concern from some fans over her appearance.

Read more

Netflix confirms season 2 of 'Musafir Cafe'

This is not the first time the Grammy-winning singer has addressed public scrutiny of her body. In 2013, when she was 19, Grande responded to rumours about an eating disorder in a Tumblr post, saying she wanted to reassure fans who had expressed concern.