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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Ariana Grande's 'Petal' music video sparks body image debate

Ariana Grande's 'Petal' music video sparks body image debate

Published Aug 4, 2026 04:38 pm

Ariana Grande's latest music video has sparked more than just praise, with actress Jameela Jamil and model Charli Howard criticizing the singer's team over what they say is harmful portrayal of body image.

Following the release of "Petal," fans flooded social media with comments about Grande's noticeably slimmer appearance.

Howard, who has openly shared her own recovery from an eating disorder, said the video could send the wrong message to young viewers.

"I think it's vital we discuss imagery like this and the damage it can have on women and girls," Howard wrote, adding that Grande's management, family, and label should have stepped in instead of releasing the project.

Jamil shared a similar view in a now-deleted Instagram comment, calling Grande's team "thoroughly irresponsible" and arguing that the styling in the video appeared to highlight the singer's thinness. She later admitted there was no easy answer, saying that commenting on someone's body could be harmful, but so could staying silent if it normalizes unhealthy beauty standards.

The debate comes as Grande announced she will be "taking a step back from visibility" after finishing her current tour due to what her representative described as "endless, ongoing public scrutiny."

Her team maintained that the singer is healthy but said she plans to spend time away from the spotlight.

Mental health experts however caution against diagnosing anyone based on appearance alone. They stress that eating disorders affect people of all body sizes and that genuine concern should focus on a person's wellbeing, not just their body.

As the conversation around "Petal" continues, it has grown beyond the music video itself, sparking a wider discussion about celebrity culture, body image and the line between public concern and harmful scrutiny.

Related Tags

Ariana Grande Petal Petal album
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