“This is literally bullying”: Internet reacts after Bill Maher makes joke about Ariana Grande’s weight referring her to as a ‘stick-like’ figure
“This is literally bullying”: Internet reacts after Bill Maher makes joke about Ariana Grande’s weight referring her to as a ‘stick-like’ figure
Shatakshi Gupta Sun, August 9, 2026 at 1:27 AM UTC
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Ariana Grande and Billn Maher : Source - Getty
Bill Maher seemingly mocked Ariana Grande during the Friday episode of ‘Real Time’ on August 7. The host made a joke of the singer’s lean body and compared it to a ‘stick-like’ figure. During the episode, Bill Maher said:
“The administration this week, just a few days ago, maybe yesterday, unleashed a new trove of UFO files. Interesting things in there. Triangular craft, weird lights over an army base, a stick-like figure with large eyes. Oh, that was just an Ariana Grande video. Please, we kid. We kid. Maybe that joke will make her eat something.”
Besides mixed reactions from his live audience, Bill drew online backlash after he made fun of Ariana. The thank u, next singer recently made news with the release of her Petal MV. Her followers showed concern over her body weight. Therefore, Bill Maher’s comment drew online criticism. One of them said:
“oh but i thought it was concern??? this is literally bullying”
eli ꕤ @barelytrieddLINK
@Variety oh but i thought it was concern??? this is literally bullying
Internet reacts as Bill Maher mocks Ariana Grande’s weight
One of Grande’s fans said Maher's joke was not funny.
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“That’s actually not funny, like at all.”
Another one said:
“All of the “concerned” people seem to think bullying/cracking jokes is the remedy people can be so cruel.”
Another netizen called his joke 'distasteful' and ‘unfunny.’
“Comedians think because they’re funny they can make distasteful comments and get away with it because it’s “a joke” no dude you’re just an unfunny a**h*l*.”
Ariana’s fan referred to it as bullying and said:
“The Ariana “joke” was straight up bullying and inhuman, f*ck you.”
Another online user slammed Bill and said:
“It’s not even the time to joke about it. I don’t know if you ever should joke about it. ED is no joking matter. I’m not diagnosing her but telling anyone to eat something in jest to mock or to make it entertainment is crazy. He’s a buffoon.”
Piers Morgan showed support for Ariana Grande
Recently, on August 4, Piers Morgan came out in support of the 7 rings vocalist amid reports of her public break. He shared a post on his IG account and praised the female artist as ‘talented,’ ‘funny,’ and ‘engaging.’ He recalled his random meeting with her once at a Beverly Hills restaurant. Piers urged people to give the space she wants.
"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.” Piers Morgan wrote.
After finishing her current Eternal Sunshine tour, Ariana Grande will take a sabbatical, according to a recent confirmation from her representative. She apparently made this choice because of worries about her reputation and well-being.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
