Pop star Ariana Grande has dropped out of what would have been her debut appearance in London\u2019s West End, the show\u2019s producers said Sunday, as a representative for the singer said she wants to take a \u201cstep back\u201d from the public eye.<\/p>\n
The 33-year-old Grande had been slated to star opposite her \u201cWicked\u201d castmate Jonathan Bailey in the Stephen Sondheim musical \u201cSunday in The Park with George\u201d in the summer of 2027 at London\u2019s Barbican theater.<\/p>\n
But amid renewed public scrutiny of the singer\u2019s health, especially on social media, her representative said she wanted a \u201cmuch-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances\u201d when her \u201cEternal Sunshine\u201d tour wraps in London on September 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can confirm that she has decided to step back from \u2018Sunday in The Park with George\u2019,\u201d producers said in a statement carried on the show\u2019s official X account, without providing a reason for Grande\u2019s withdrawal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,\u201d the statement said, adding that the show would go ahead as planned and casting would be announced \u201cin due course.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish her nothing but the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grande\u2019s representative told People magazine that while the Grammy-winning artist is eager to complete her tour, she wants to take a \u201cstep back from visibility,\u201d as her many appearances have \u201cled to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fans have expressed growing concern for her health, particularly after Friday\u2019s release of a music video for \u201cPetal\u201d in which the pint-sized singer appears to have lost significant weight.<\/p>\n
Grande has said before that body-shaming comments are \u201creally dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
She began her career as a teen on Broadway before embarking on a hugely successful pop career<\/p>\n
Her star turn as Glinda in the film adaptation of \u201cWicked\u201d earned her an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress.<\/p>\n
But the massive success of the film and its sequel \u201cWicked: For Good\u201d meant Grande was doing constant media appearances for the better part of two years.<\/p>\n
She is set to appear in the comedy \u201cFocker-in-Law\u201d opposite Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, which hits theaters in November.<\/p>\n
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