Bill Maher's Ariana Grande Body Joke Splits Studio Audience
American talk show host Bill Maher made a joke about Ariana Grande's appearance during his opening monologue on the August 7 (Friday) broadcast of Real Time, using a newly released batch of U.S. government UFO files as the setup. According to NME, the joke got a split reaction from the studio audience: the first part landed with laughter and applause, but a follow-up line drew boos. The moment came as Grande was already facing heavy online commentary about her body and appearance tied to the music video for "Petal," the title track of her new album.
The joke and the room's reaction
In his monologue, Maher referenced newly declassified UFO files described as containing triangular aircraft, unexplained lights over military bases, and a "big-eyed, stick-figure" shape — then added that the figure was actually just Ariana Grande's music video.
After the line got laughs, Maher followed up with: "We're just kidding — maybe that joke will make her eat something." That line drew groans from the audience. Maher later reposted the segment on his own X account.
Grande's announced break from the spotlight
The joke landed about a week after Grande's team confirmed she plans to step back from public life once her current Eternal Sunshine tour wraps, citing the toll of constant public scrutiny. Her team said the tour will end on a healthy, positive note. People magazine, citing sources close to Grande, reported she is in good health and has been maintaining her performance level through physically demanding shows every night.
Grande herself addressed the decision from the stage, telling fans it wasn't an emotional or last-minute call but something quietly planned well in advance. She said multiple things can be true at once — that a person can need rest and set boundaries while the tour remains one of the best experiences of her career.
Other project changes
As a result of the planned break, Grande has withdrawn from the West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, which had been set to open next summer at London's Barbican Centre and would have marked her West End debut, co-starring her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey. Last month, reports also indicated she had exited an upcoming season of American Horror Story due to touring commitments.
Grande's eighth studio album, Petal, was released on July 31. On the film side, she is still set to appear alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in the new Meet the Parents franchise entry, Focker-In-Law, expected in theaters in November.