Ariana Grande withdraws from West End musical, seeks public break

Pop superstar Ariana Grande has canceled her highly anticipated West End debut in the musical "Sunday in The Park with George," producers announced Sunday. The decision comes as Grande, 33, prepares to conclude her "Eternal Sunshine" tour in London on September 1. Her representative stated that the singer wishes to take a "well-deserved break from work and public appearances" following the tour.

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We can confirm that she has decided to withdraw from 'Sunday in The Park with George.'

Grande was slated to star alongside "Wicked" castmate Jonathan Bailey in the Stephen Sondheim musical at London's Barbican Theatre in the summer of 2027. However, amid increased public scrutiny, particularly on social media concerning her health and appearance, her team indicated a need to step away from the spotlight. "We can confirm that she has decided to withdraw from 'Sunday in The Park with George,'" the show's producers said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, without specifying the exact reasons for her departure.

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We know this was not an easy decision, and she makes it with our full understanding and support.

The producers expressed their understanding and support for Grande's decision, adding that the show will proceed as planned with casting to be announced in due course. "We know this was not an easy decision, and she makes it with our full understanding and support," the statement read, concluding with well wishes for the artist.

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She wants to take a well-deserved break from work and public appearances.

Grande's representative further elaborated to People magazine that while she is eager to finish her tour, she desires to "step away from the public eye for a bit." The representative noted that her numerous public appearances have led to "constant and unending public scrutiny." Fans have voiced concerns about her health, particularly after the release of her recent music video for "Petal," where her noticeably slimmer physique drew significant attention. Grande has previously spoken out against body-shaming comments, deeming them "really dangerous."

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She wants to step away from the public eye for a bit... her numerous appearances have led to constant and unending public scrutiny.