Bill Maher’s Ariana Grande Weight Joke Sparks Groans on ‘Real Time’

Bill Maher sparked mixed reactions after making a joke about Ariana Grande’s weight during Friday’s episode of “Real Time.” The comedian’s comments about the pop star drew laughter and applause at first, but a follow-up remark received audible groans from some members of the audience.

During his opening monologue, Maher was discussing UFOs and recently released government files when he brought up Grande.

“I hope the aliens are here, I do. I hope they’re here and watching us and they’re going to save us,” Maher said.

He then referenced reports about unusual UFO sightings and strange objects before joking about Grande.

“Triangular craft, weird lights over an army base, a stick-like figure with large eyes. Oh, that was just an Ariana Grande video.”

The joke received laughs and applause from the audience.

Bill Maher’s Ariana Grande Weight Joke Draws Groans

Maher followed up the joke with a comment about Grande’s weight that received a different reaction from the crowd.

“Please, we kid. We kid. Maybe that joke will make her eat something,” Maher said.

The remark prompted groans from some audience members, signaling a more divided response to the comedian’s comments.

Maher’s joke comes shortly after Grande announced that she plans to take a break from public-facing work following her Eternal Sunshine Tour.

Ariana Grande Plans to Step Back From Public Visibility

On Aug. 2, a representative for Ariana Grande announced that the singer and “Wicked” star would be “taking a step back from visibility” after completing her Eternal Sunshine Tour.

Grande’s representative cited the “ongoing public scrutiny” surrounding the singer as one of the reasons for the planned break.

The representative said Grande was looking forward to finishing the tour on a positive note before taking a break from public appearances and other public-facing work.

The announcement came as Grande continued to face intense public attention surrounding her career, appearances and personal life.

Ariana Grande Explains Why She Is Taking a Break

Grande later addressed the announcement directly during a performance at Chicago’s United Center.

The singer told fans that the decision to step away from the spotlight was not reactive or impulsive and had been planned well in advance.

“Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion,” Grande told the audience.

She explained that she wanted to speak directly to her fans because she loves them and wanted them to understand that the decision had been made thoughtfully.

According to Grande, the decision to take a break was something she had quietly planned for a long time and came from what she described as a thoughtful and empowered place.

Grande’s Break Comes After Intense Public Scrutiny

Grande has continued to maintain a high public profile through her music, acting and live performances. Her Eternal Sunshine Tour has also kept her in the spotlight as she balances her music career with her work in film and television.

Her representative said the tour has been a positive experience for Grande and that she loves her fans and has enjoyed the performances.

However, after the tour concludes, Grande is expected to take a much-needed break from public-facing work and appearances.

Maher’s comments on “Real Time” have now added another layer to the ongoing public conversation surrounding Grande and the scrutiny she has faced.

For now, Grande remains focused on completing her tour before stepping away from the spotlight.