Ariana Grande and the public scrutiny of women

Ariana Grande says she will be taking ‘a step back’ from public life. The reason, it seems, is the constant public commentary she faces – particularly surrounding her appearance.

In our conversations we bring together fans of the multi-award-winning singer and Oscar nominated actor to discuss the scrutiny facing women in the public eye.

“I received one comment that really messed with my brain,” Rachel, a fan and singer tells us. “And that was just one comment, I can’t imagine how Ariana must have felt seeing all these comments from people claiming to be concerned.”

We also hear from women who have received abuse after posting on social media, including Ella, a high jump athlete from Finland.

“I never imagined when I started doing sports as a little girl there would be a moment when I would receive messages that I should kill myself because I didn’t perform well or that I am the greatest embarrassment Finland has ever had.”

(Photo: Ariana Grande at the Oscars. She looks sideways over her left shoulder at the camera. Her light brown hair is parted in the middle, styled into an up-do with a bun at the back. She wears a silver necklace, small round silver earrings, pink lipstick and dusky-pink eye shadow, with black eyeliner on her eyelid. Credit: Aude Guerrucci/Reuters)

Presenter: Andrew Peach
BBC producer: Iqra Farooq
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham
Editors: Arja Haikonen and Harriet Oliver
A Boffin Media production in partnership with the BBC World Service Outside Source team