‘Remove this content immediately’
This weekend, everyone is talking about the release of the official music video for Petal by Ariana Grande. However, not for the best reasons.
Once again, Ariana’s health and body image have come under fire, and the scrutiny has become so intense that the singer has announced she is taking a step back from her public life. Following this, some celebrities have spoken out about Petal’s video, and have taken aim at the team working behind the scenes for Ariana Grande.
A model and eating disorder recovery advocate spoke about the potential risks for younger viewers in the video. He described the team as “appalling” and said those responsible should be “absolutely embarrassed”.
*Content warning: This article discusses eating disorders.*
Sharing some viral images from the music video, Charlie Howard said: “I don’t talk much about my past eating disorders anymore – I’ve come on by leaps and bounds since then – but losing weight is still on my mind, especially as I’ve gained weight over the last 18 months. Will being thin make me happy? Will it give me relief, a partner, love, satisfaction? Deep down, and after years of therapy and recovery, I know that’s not true. But other women and girls don’t.
“I think it’s important that we discuss imagery/videos/content like this and the harm they have – and will – cause to women and girls. What you’re seeing here is not normal. Over the past few weeks, as Ariana’s concert photos have spread around online, I’ve obviously seen comments from concerned fans, but I’ve also seen other people explaining to others that she looks ‘healthy’, or that she just ‘The puppy has lost some fat’ (🤨) Some people also joke about this.
“I see someone in desperate need of hospitalization and care, and while I know it is often impossible to help someone at this stage of anorexia, there has to be immediate intervention. Over the past few years, I have met many women who have almost died from the disease – women who spend their lives fighting demons that tell them they are worthless and ugly. These are women who can never have children; women who carry no shame or internal pain. She starves herself as a means of starving him.
“I think that from a moral and capitalist perspective, it is absolutely appalling that these videos and albums were released when this person required psychological support and hospitalization. The teams involved should be absolutely ashamed. What is disappointing is that it takes teams – often hundreds – of people to approve videos like this and get them over the line. Each of you, including his family and management, are enabling this person and encouraging his illness when he needs help.
“I really, really hope she gets the help she so desperately needs. We don’t need a repeat of the 2000s. We need to support and help this woman; give her time to rest and heal instead of putting her on the platform; and remove this content immediately.”
Jameela Jamil also made a similar comment on Instagram, which now seems to have been removed. “This poor woman is probably dying in front of us,” he wrote. “This outfit is designed to emphasize thinness for the sake of discourse. Her team is completely irresponsible for not taking her young fans away from this extremely harmful image by looking so glamorous.”
Author Dolly Alderton was also among the replies to Charlie Howard’s post. He added, “Thank you so much for saying that, Charlie.”
Featured image via Instagram @charlihowardYouTube and Instagram @dollyalderton. For more like this, Like The Tab on Facebook.