Bill Maher’s joke about Ariana Grande’s weight drew groans from the audience during Friday’s episode of Real Time with Bill Maher.
The comedian was discussing newly released UFO files during his opening monologue. He joked about the possibility of aliens watching Earth and coming to save humanity.
“I hope the aliens are here, I do. I hope they’re here and watching us and they’re going to save us,” Maher said.
He then turned his joke toward Grande.
“And, by the way, the administration this week, just a few days ago, maybe yesterday, unleashed a new trove of UFO files. Interesting things in there. Triangular craft, weird lights over an army base, a stick-like figure with large eyes. Oh, that was just an Ariana Grande video.”
The joke earned laughs and applause from the audience. However, Maher’s next comment about Grande’s weight received a different reaction.
“Please, we kid. We kid. Maybe that joke will make her eat something,” Maher said.
Grande Plans Break From Spotlight
Maher’s comments came days after Grande announced plans to step back from public visibility.
On Aug. 2, Grande’s representative said the singer would take a break after completing her Eternal Sunshine tour. The representative cited “ongoing public scrutiny” as one reason for the decision.
“Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” Grande’s representative said.
The statement added that Grande looked forward to finishing the tour “healthily and happily” before taking a break from public-facing work and appearances.
Grande Explains Her Decision
Grande later addressed the decision during a performance at Chicago’s United Centre on Monday night.
“Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion. So I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing,” Grande told the crowd.
“It is something that I had decided to plan that I had quietly made a long time ago, and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place.”
Grande is expected to complete her Eternal Sunshine tour before stepping away from public-facing work. Maher’s comments have added fresh attention to the singer’s decision to take a break from the spotlight.
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