Piers Morgan defends Ariana Grande, urges trolls to 'back off' after her hiatus announcement

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Piers Morgan has publicly defended Ariana Grande after she decided to step back from work following an intense period of public scrutiny.

The controversial broadcaster issued his passionate message of support for the singer, 33, on his Instagram account by sharing a photo of them.

Piers Morgan calls Ariana Grande 'funny, engaging, and of course, supremely talented'

He began, “I’ve no idea what’s going on with @arianagrande but I do know, after spending a random evening with her in a Beverly Hills restaurant a few years ago, that she’s a genuinely great person: intelligent, funny, engaging, and of course, supremely talented.”

Morgan then went on to directly address the trolls as he noted on Tuesday, August 4, “Fame at her pop superstar level can be a very difficult and lonely place.”

“So, I urge all the trolls currently making her life a misery with this constant chuntering about her appearance to back off and give her the space she needs to sort herself out,” the 61-year-old TV personality added.

Ariana Grande says her break announcement 'not a reactive or impulsive thing'

Morgan’s supporting message came a day after Grande herself detailed more on her hiatus announcement.

Speaking directly with the fans on stage in Chicago on Monday, the pop star reportedly said, “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I had decided to plan quietly, a long time ago.”

The ‘Wicked’ actress then seemingly appeared to refer to ongoing public concern about her weight, stating, “I heard my fans were worried negativity was ruining things for me but that could not be more than the opposite. Boundaries need to be set, human beings do need a break sometimes.”

“No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality, or be more real to me than this love that we share,” Grande added.

'Sunday in the Park with George' team wishes Ariana Grande 'best'

Earlier, the ‘Thank u, next’ hitmaker had received support from the production team behind ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ after her withdrawal.

In a post on X, they wrote, “Following this evening's announcement from Ariana Grande's team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.”

“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course,” the team added.