Ariana Grande says choice to step back comes from an 'empowered' place

Ariana Grande has directly addressed her fans regarding news that she will be stepping back from public life, following intense online speculation. Speaking from the stage in Chicago during her Eternal Sunshine Tour, the 33-year-old singer clarified that the announcement was not impulsive.

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

"The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I had decided to plan … quietly, a long time ago," Grande told the crowd. She dismissed concerns that negativity was affecting her, assuring fans, "I promise you, this is not what that is." The star has faced constant speculation about her personal life, tour demands, and new album release, fueling online discussions about her health and appearance.

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I promise you, this is not what that is.

Grande emphasized the need for boundaries and breaks, stating, "Multiple things can be true at the same time…. Boundaries need to be set; human beings do need a break sometimes." She referred to her current tour as "the greatest experience of my professional and creative life." Reading from her phone, she reiterated that her "decision was made from a thoughtful and empowered place," adding, "no matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality, or be more real to me than this love that we share."

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Multiple things can be true at the same time…. Boundaries need to be set; human beings do need a break sometimes … but this will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.

Her speech came a day after her publicist announced she would take a "well-earned break" after years of public scrutiny. The statement confirmed Grande would finish her sold-out tour, aiming to end it "on a high note, both healthily and happily." Grande explained she wanted to clarify matters because "sometimes when a story comes out that isn’t directly from me, it can get a little blown out of proportion." She described her tour, which wraps up Sept. 1, as "one of the most healing, beautiful, corrective and special experiences" she has ever had.

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I love you; this is what I want always…. The rest of that [stuff] is not mine to carry.