LONDON (AP) 鈥� has pulled out of an upcoming stage musical in London, producers said, and plans to withdraw from the public eye for a break from the intense scrutiny she faces.
Grande had been due to star alongside her Jonathan Bailey in a production of 鈥淪unday in the Park With George鈥� at the Barbican theater in 2027.
Empire Street Productions said Sunday that Grande will no longer be part of the London production. A representative for Grande told People magazine that the 33-year-old singer 鈥渨ill be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.鈥�
鈥淪he 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 led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,鈥� the statement said. A representative for Grande did not offer further comment to The Associated Press.
With Grande鈥檚 recent breakup from the ongoing tour and attention has swelled, fueling rampant speculation online about her health and appearance. Grande has previously expressed discomfort with public discourse around her weight.
鈥淚 think we should be gentler and less comfortable commenting on people鈥檚 bodies, no matter what,鈥� she said in a 2023 TikTok video.
Late last year, while promoting she reshared a 2024 interview in which she said it was uncomfortable having being picked apart for her appearance since she was a teenager. In the December social media post, she called the clip a 鈥渓oving reminder to all.鈥�
Grande found fame as a child performer on Nickelodeon before releasing her debut album, 鈥淵ours Truly,鈥� in 2013. She has won three Grammy Awards and was for her role as Glinda in 鈥淲icked.鈥�
Grande’s next concert is Monday in Chicago. Her tour is due to wrap up in London on Sept. 1.
鈥淲e know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,鈥� Empire Street Productions said. The company said 鈥淪unday in the Park With George鈥� will open next summer as planned, and that casting would be announced 鈥渋n due course.鈥�
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