From the very beginning of Wicked: For Good, the extent to which Hollywood glamourizes disordered eating became shudderingly clear.
As the film begins, the starring actresses, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, address the audience with a short forward. I don’t remember what they said, because I focused on the disheartening way both stars’ skeletal structures were visible through their skin. Although Erivo’s costumes throughout the film were quite conservative, Grande’s were not, almost proudly showing off her protruding sternum and emaciated arms. Towards the end of the movie, Grande sported noticeable decorative gems on her thin shoulders, something that women were not slow to comment on over social media. Questions like “Is she okay?” and “Why are they decorating bones I didn’t know existed?” flooded comment sections; pictures of the two, as well as supporting actress Michelle Yeoh’s similar stark thinness, appeared around every corner.
Recently, Grande released a statement via Instagram story, resharing an interview with YouTuber SALLY from November of last year. Grande states, “In today’s society, there’s a comfortability that we shouldn’t have. At all. [With] Commenting on others’ looks, appearances, what they think is going on behind the scenes, health…… I think it’s dangerous for all parties involved.”
It’s hard growing up in the limelight of Hollywood. Grande began in the industry before even entering adulthood, and since then has experienced judgment after judgment that made her “fix it, and then it’s wrong for different reasons.” Because of this, she discourages any discussion of her or anyone’s body. But how else will someone raise legitimate worries for a beloved public figure? When is it okay to discuss uncomfortable, stigmatized situations?
In 2025, it is easy to follow the notion that talking about women’s bodies isn’t socially acceptable. It happens, but it’s rude, and thus any politically correct person should avoid it. However, in a world where people feel the need to comment “healthy body btw” or “Greek men would go to war for you” on any girl’s TikTok post who doesn’t have a flat stomach, it seems ironic that being worried about someone’s health is seen as ignorant. In the case of eating disorders, discussing women’s bodies cannot be avoided.
Eating disorders are hard to comprehend for those who haven’t experienced or studied them. They’re even harder to address. Many believe bulimia and anorexia are just about weight, but they are complex mental health conditions. Bulimia is a disease; anorexia can be addictive.
The unfortunate fact is that people with addictions don’t want to admit they have one. When addressing addictions, loved ones of the individual perform what is known as an intervention. They convene and attempt to convince the individual to go down a journey of rehabilitation—not with judgment, but with compassion. Not with statements like “eat a burger” or “skin and bones” or “disgusting,” but with kindness, understanding, and support.
This isn’t just a personal discussion of these women’s health statuses. It’s also about how their images, especially in PG-rated movies like Wicked: For Good, can influence young viewers’ perceptions of beauty and body image, making it crucial not to glamorize sickeningly thin bodies. Thus, celebrities like Grande and her costars need to be understanding when they receive well-mannered criticisms about how they affect young fans.
