Ariana Grande opens up about her complex relationship with her loyal fanbase, admitting that while she loves them, she doesn't always like them, and sometimes her feelings can be hurt by their actions.
Ariana Grande has a massive and dedicated fan base known as "Arianators." However, the singer recently revealed that her relationship with her fans is not always easy, and she doesn't always like them.
During an interview with Vanity Fair, Grande was hooked up to a lie detector and asked a series of questions about her fans. When asked if she loves her fans, she replied, "Very much." However, when asked if she loves them all the time, she hesitated and said, "Mmmm. I love them always, but I think sometimes they can hurt my feelings. And sometimes I don’t like them. But I love them always. Does that make sense?"
Ariana Grande: Love-Hate Relationship with Fans Revealed
The lie detector confirmed that both answers were truthful. Grande went on to say that her relationship with her fans is "hard" and "weirdly parasocial." She explained that she often feels like she knows her fans better than they know her, which can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
"It’s a hard relationship, I think. That’s sort of like, weirdly parasocial, but feels very real to me. So sometimes it’s hard, but I love them very much," she said.
Ariana Grande: Love-Hate Relationship with Fans Revealed
Grande has been open about her struggles with mental health in the past, and she has said that her fans have been a source of support for her. However, she has also said that she can sometimes feel overwhelmed by their attention.
In March 2024, after the release of her seventh studio album, "Eternal Sunshine," Grande issued a statement to her fans, cautioning them against sending hateful messages to anyone currently or previously in her life. At the time, Grande was separated from her husband, Dalton Gomez, and reportedly dating a new man, actor Ethan Slater, who had a controversial personal life of his own.
Ariana Grande: Love-Hate Relationship with Fans Revealed
"I just wanted to say anyone that is sending hateful messages to the people in my life based on your interpretation of this album is not supporting me and is absolutely doing the polar opposite of what I would ever encourage," Grande wrote to her Instagram stories at the time. "I ask that you please do not. It is not how to support me. It is the opposite."
In the past, Grande has often utilized social media to communicate directly with her fans. She has befriended several fans, and has even met some of them in person. However, she said that she is now more cautious about interacting with fans directly.
Ariana Grande: Love-Hate Relationship with Fans Revealed
"I have befriended fans before – and now have three very strong relationships because of it. But I am more cautious now," she said.
Grande's relationship with her fans is complex and ever-evolving. She loves them, but she also finds them difficult at times. She is grateful for their support, but she also needs to protect her own mental health.
Ariana Grande: Love-Hate Relationship with Fans Revealed
