Bill Maher’s On-Air Joke Sparks Reaction as Ariana Grande Announces Hiatus

During the opening monologue of “Real Time” on Friday, Bill Maher referenced the White House’s recent release of UFO files and quipped that a “stick-like figure with large eyes” was actually an Ariana Grande video. —prompted audible groans from the studio audience. The remarks coincided with Grande’s public announcement that she will step back from visibility after completing her “Eternal Sunshine” tour.

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The UFO files, disclosed earlier in the week, included sightings of a triangular craft and high-speed orbs near an army base. Grande’s tour, described by her team as “a beautiful experience,” has been marked by intense public scrutiny of her physique, a focus that intensified after the July 31 release of the “petal” music video. On August 2, her representative confirmed the planned hiatus, citing the need to end the tour “healthily and happily” and to escape “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”

Variety Magazine

Speaking at the United Center in Chicago, Grande addressed fans directly, echoing that sentiment and emphasizing her desire to speak to them without media distortion. She also confirmed she will no longer appear in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s *Sunday in the Park with George*.

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• “Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion. So I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much. The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing,” — Ariana Grande

Variety Magazine

Grande is expected to complete the “Eternal Sunshine” tour, after which she will pause public-facing work and appearances. Her absence from the upcoming West End production has been confirmed by the production team on social media. No further statements from Maher or his show have been reported.

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