Mental health clinicians say the public pile-on over Ariana Grande's appearance is no longer just a celebrity story, it is landing directly on their patients.
Since the pop star released the music video for her single 'Petal' on 31 July 2026, clinicians who treat people with eating disorders say they have been inundated with calls from people overwhelmed with emotions since the internet lit up over Grande's appearance. The 33-year-old singer has since announced she is stepping back from public life, citing 'ongoing public scrutiny', a decision that has only intensified debate over how celebrity bodies are discussed online.
