Madison Beer addresses backlash over Ariana Grande’s ‘Thank U, Next’ video claim: ‘Why would I lie?’
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Madison Beer is revisiting the backlash she received after her comments about Ariana Grande’s 'Thank U, Next' music video. Beer said she was supposed to appear in the 2018 visual, and that statement sparked criticism online at the time.
While currently in the middle of her tour, Beer spoke about the situation on Owen Thiele’s 'In Your Dreams' podcast during the Friday, May 22, episode.
The topic has resurfaced alongside renewed attention surrounding Grande’s upcoming era, with her eighth studio album 'Petal' set to be released on July 31, as Beer continues her ongoing tour.
Madison Beer addresses Ariana Grande video backlash
During the one-hour and two-minute podcast, the pop singer recalled how she was heavily criticized and even called a liar after saying Ariana Grande had wanted her to appear in the 'Mean Girls'-inspired music video, but she couldn’t take part due to scheduling conflicts.
“It really was that serious. But you have to realize that back then it was not received well,” she explained. “People were hating on me and ripping me apart for it and saying I was the cringiest person alive. Why would I lie about it?”
The 27-year-old added that her reaction at the time came from excitement. "The truth is, I was just overly excited about it. I was surrounded by fans who were being so sweet and supportive. 'Thank U, Next' had just come out, and I thought I was spilling tea. I like, 'Guys, I was supposed to be in the video.' I didn’t know that it was just going to be this pivotal moment in my life that I could never come back from."
“That felt so crazy that people were accusing my character of just making that up,” she continued. “Then there was like, I was going to post proof. When I was younger, I was so mad that people thought I was lying.”
Madison Beer moves past Ariana Grande controversy
Despite facing significant backlash at the time, Beer didn’t let it shake her confidence or affect her performances. Her admiration for Grande has also remained unchanged throughout. In hindsight, the moment did not leave things on a bitter note for Beer.
She is currently on the European leg of her 'Locket Tour,' with upcoming stops in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London, and Manchester. She will then kick off the North American leg in Austin on June 8.
