Ariana Grande’s most shocking controversial moments that sparked major frenzy

Ariana Grande is no stranger to controversies.

Her relationship with Ethan Slater isn’t the first time the Wicked star made headlines for the wrong reasons.

Despite her success, the 32-year-old singer and actress has encountered her fair share of controversies, that made her issue apologies or clarify the situation.

Whether it’s a clip of her licking donuts going viral or alleged affair scandals, the pop-star’s career seems to be shadowed by controversy.

Here is a breakdown of the controversies the Hollywood star has been a part of over the years.

The Donut Incident

Back in July 2015, Ariana landed herself in hot water and sparked outrage after a video of her and her then boyfriend Ricky Alvarez at Wolfee Donuts in California blew up online.

The viral clip was shared by TMZ, which showed the Victorious alum licking unbought pastries behind a staff member’s back, this caused a major stir online.

In said video, she was also heard yelling, "I hate Americans. I hate America! That’s disgusting."

After the immense backlash, she came forward issuing an apology, sharing with US Weekly, she said, "I am EXTREMELY proud to be an American and I’ve always made it clear that I love my country."

Continuing, "As an advocate for healthy eating, food is very important to me and I sometimes get upset by how freely we as Americans eat and consume things without giving any thought to the consequences that it has on our health and society as a whole," and went on to admit that she should have chosen her words more carefully. 

Cancelled Grammy Performance

She made the rounds on the internet once again in 2019, when reports came forward that Ariana had cancelled her performance at the 61st annual Grammys after some disagreements with the production.

According to producer Ken Ehrlich, the pop icon believed she didn’t have enough time to prepare for the grand performance and put something together at the high-profile event.

However, the Supernatural hitmaker was quick to respond and reportedly called out the producer on Twitter, now X, saying, "I’ve kept my mouth shut but now you’re lying about me. I can pull together a performance over night and you know that, Ken."

"It was when my creativity & self expression was stifled by you, that I decided not to attend. I hope the show is exactly what you want it to be and more," she added.

She was reportedly restricted from performing her iconic song 7 Rings, but was instead asked to include it in a medley. Ariana went on to write, "It’s about collaboration. It’s about feeling supported. It’s about art and honesty. Not politics. Not doing favors or playing games."

"It’s just a game y’all.. and I’m sorry but that’s not what music is to me."

The same year, the star earned two nominations for Best Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, taking home the win for the latter, making a powerful return to Grammy’s stage the following year, in 2020. 

Jennette McCurdy feud

After the hit Nickelodeon series Victorious and fan favourite show iCarly from the same network came to an end, Ariana joined Jennette McCurdy for a spinoff show based on their characters from their respective shows, Sam & Cat.

However, it seems like things weren’t all smooth sailing during that time as well.

In her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, the 33-year-old former actress came forward alleging that she wasn’t permitted to explore other opportunities or roles while working on the spinoff, but Ariana was.

She also claimed that later on Nickelodeon tried to silence her by offering her $300,000.

"When Ariana came whistle-toning in with excitement because she had spent the previous evening playing charades at Tom Hanks’ house," she wrote. "That was the moment I broke."

"Ariana misses work in pursuit of her music career while I act with a box. I’m pissed about it. And I’m pissed at her. Jealous of her," she admitted.

However, the ordeal didn’t end here.

The show went on a hiatus before getting cancelled in 2014, speculation arose that Ariana was being paid significantly more than Jennette but the Into You hitmaker took to X to put an end to those rumours.

"Jennette and I agreed upfront that we would be treated equally on this show in all regards (as we should be, considering we each work just as hard as the other on this show)," she penned.

"I don’t know who’s putting these idiotic quotes out there but I thought I’d straighten it out and try to end this nonsense."

Naya Rivera and Big Sean

In 2014, Ariana and Big Sean seemingly began dating shortly after calling it quits with fiancée Naya.

But as it turns out, the Glee star had a different version of events and came forward alleging that their timelines weren’t as separated as they appeared to be.

In her memoir, Sorry Not Sorry the late actress opened up about how she found out about Sean and Ariana’s relationship.

"On the one day that he was back in LA, Sean said he didn’t want to see me." But because she still had a key, she was able to let herself into his house.

"I walk in, go downstairs, and guess what little girl is sitting cross-legged on the couch listening to music? … It rhymes with ‘Smariana Schmande.'"

She recalled being caught off guard when Sean ended their romance.

Ariana never addressed this.

Unfortunately, Naya succumbed to her death in 2020 in a drowning accident. 

Called Out for Cultural Appropriation

Over the years, Ariana has found herself making headlines for one thing or the other. She has also sparked backlash and drawn criticism for appearing to change her skin tone, seemingly making it darker.

Back in 2019, the Don't Look Up actress was also accused of misrepresenting Asian culture after using Japanese characters in her visuals, especially her misspelled tattoo.

She took to X, to address this situation in a new deleted tweet, stating, "I can’t read or write kanji obviously. What do you want me to do? It was done out of love and appreciation."

"What do you want me to say? You know how many people make this mistake and DON’T care just cause they like how it looks? I care sooooo much. What would you like me to do or say? Forreal," she continued.

She was also selling merchandise with Japanese characters on it, which got pulled from the website. 

Ethan Slater

Not long after Ariana parted ways with Dalton Gomez in July 2023, whom she was married to for two years, Us Weekly had confirmed that the Boy is Mine singer had reportedly started dating Ethan Slater.

When the news of their pairing made headlines, the 32-year-old actor who played the character of SpongeBob SquarePants in the musical of the same name, had become a father in 2022 and was still married to Lilly Jay.

Allegedly, Ethan had disclosed the news of his romance with his Wicked co-star to his now ex-wife just days prior the public got to know about their pairing. However, a source close to the pop-star insisted that those claims weren’t true.

That didn’t stop Lilly from opening up and addressing the matter. Talking to Page Six, she shared, "Ariana’s the story really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage."

In July 2023, Ethan filed for divorce. 

Despite the controversies and scandals, Ariana has come out on top everytime. 

She is now set to appear in the sequel of the hit musical, Wicked: For Good. It will be hitting the theaters on November 21, 2025.