Entertainment

Ariana Grande’s Most Controversial Moments: Alleged Cheating and More on August 1, 2023 at 12:00 am Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

August 1, 2023

Ariana Grande Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Ariana Grande‘s on-set romance with Ethan Slater is far from her first brush with controversy.

Since her rise to the top of the charts, Grande’s career has been plagued by scandals. In July 2015, she sparked outrage online after a video of her licking donuts — and later calling them “disgusting” and saying she hates America — went viral. She issued several apologies about the incident, asserting in a statement to Us Weekly that she would “strive to be better” after the public took offense to her “poor choice of words.”

Along with allegedly feuding with former costars and being accused of plagiarism, Grande’s personal relationships have raised eyebrows over the years. Naya Rivera once claimed the pop star’s romance with Big Sean may have overlapped with her own — and some fans have allegedly found evidence that the pattern continued in more of Grande’s relationships.

Following her whirlwind engagement to Pete Davidson, Grande attempted to keep her love life on the down-low. She exchanged vows with Dalton Gomez in May 2021, but the couple called it quits after two years of marriage.

As news broke of Grande’s divorce, Us confirmed her relationship with Slater — and fans quickly tried to piece together their dating timeline. “Ariana’s determined to move forward,” a source exclusively told Us of the scandal in July 2023.

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of Grande’s biggest controversies through the years:

The ‘I Hate America’ Donut

Grande sparked backlash in July 2015 when footage went viral of her and then-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez at Wolfee Donuts in California. In the clip originally posted by TMZ, Grande licked pastries she didn’t appear to have purchased when an employee’s back was turned. When a tray of fresh donuts was brought out, she teased, “What the f—k is that? I hate Americans. I hate America! That’s disgusting.” (The incident took place on the 4th of July.)

The video was immediately met with outrage, and Grande issued a statement to Us apologizing for her behavior. “I am EXTREMELY proud to be an American and I’ve always made it clear that I love my country. … As an advocate for healthy eating, food is very important to me and I sometimes get upset by how freely we as Americans eat and consume things without giving any thought to the consequences that it has on our health and society as a whole,” she explained, acknowledging that she should have had “more discretion with my choice of words.”

During a Good Morning America appearance in September 2015, Grande apologized once again. “I think one of the biggest things I learned from that was what it feels like to disappoint so many people who love and believe in you. And that’s an excruciating feeling,” she said.

Todd Williamson/January Images/Shutterstock

Calling Out the Grammys

In February 2019, reports surfaced that Grande canceled her planned performance at the 61st annual Grammys due to production disagreements. Producer Ken Ehrlich later claimed to the Associated Press that Grande “felt it was too late for her to pull something together.”

Grande swiftly clapped back via Twitter, writing, “Mhmmm here it is! I’ve kept my mouth shut but now you’re lying about me. I can pull together a performance over night and you know that, Ken. It was when my creativity & self expression was stifled by you, that I decided not to attend. I hope the show is exactly what you want it to be and more.”

Grande was reportedly told she couldn’t perform “7 Rings” unless it was part of a medley. In her string of tweets, Grande claimed she offered suggestions for different songs. “It’s about collaboration. It’s about feeling supported. It’s about art and honesty. Not politics. Not doing favors or playing games,” she wrote. “It’s just a game y’all.. and I’m sorry but that’s not what music is to me.”

That year, Grande was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album, winning the latter. She returned to the Grammys stage in January 2020 to perform.

Jennette McCurdy Fallout

After her stint on Victorious, Grande teamed up with iCarly‘s Jennette McCurdy for a Nickelodeon spinoff titled Sam & Cat. In her 2022 memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, McCurdy claimed that she wasn’t allowed to pursue other opportunities while working on the show — but Grande was. She alleged that Nickelodeon offered her $300,000 to not discuss her experience at the network publicly.

“What finally undid me was when Ariana came whistle-toning in with excitement because she had spent the previous evening playing charades at Tom Hanks’ house,” she wrote. “That was the moment I broke.”

She added: “Ariana misses work in pursuit of her music career while I act with a box. I’m pissed about it. And I’m pissed at her. Jealous of her.”

Before the series was canceled in July 2014, it was put on a production hiatus amid reports that Grande was earning a much higher salary than her costar. Grande shut down the “absolutely ridiculous and false” speculation via Twitter.

“Jennette and I agreed upfront that we would be treated equally on this show in all regards (as we should be, considering we each work just as hard as the other on this show),” she wrote. “I don’t know who’s putting these idiotic quotes out there but I thought I’d straighten it out and try to end this nonsense.”

McCurdy fueled rumors of a feud between her and Grande with her web series What’s Next for Sarah? after Sam & Cat’s cancelation. The show featured a pop star named Gloriana who rocked a high ponytail — Grande’s signature style.

Broadimage/Shutterstock

Naya Rivera Caught Her With Big Sean

Grande dated Big Sean in 2014 after his split from former fiancée Rivera — but the Glee alum claimed there was some overlap in the two romances.

“On the one day that he was back in LA, [Sean] said he didn’t want to see me. But since she had a key, she let herself in to his house,” Rivera wrote in her 2016 memoir, Sorry Not Sorry. “I walk in, go downstairs, and guess what little girl is sitting cross-legged on the couch listening to music? … It rhymes with ‘Smariana Schmande.’”

Rivera remembered feeling blindsided by her and Sean’s breakup. “I learned that I was no longer getting married from the internet, and at the same time as the rest of the world,” she alleged. “Not only were we not getting married, we weren’t even together anymore.”

Grande never responded to Rivera’s claims. Rivera, meanwhile, died in a drowning accident in July 2020.

‘Wicked’ Romance With Ethan Slater

Us confirmed in July 2023 that Grande and Gomez were separated after two years of marriage. Shortly after the breakup made headlines, Us confirmed that Grande had already moved on with her Wicked costar. (Slater was married to Lilly Jay at the time, with whom he welcomed a son in 2022.)

According to a source, Slater informed Jay about his relationship with Grande “days before” it became public. (A source close to Grande denied the claims.) While Grande and Slater didn’t immediately comment on the scandal, Jay shared her side of the story with Page Six.

“[Ariana’s] the story really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage,” she claimed. “The story is her and Dalton.”

Slater filed for divorce from Jay in July 2023. An insider exclusively told Us that Gomez, meanwhile, wanted to give Grande “space” but hadn’t “given up hope that they can make things work.”

Annie Wermiel/NY Post; Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Cultural Appropriation Accusations

Grande has been criticized for Blackfishing — or seemingly making her skin darker — and other instances of appropriation through the years. In 2019, she was accused of exploiting Asian culture by using Japanese characters in her visuals (and in a misspelled tattoo).

“I can’t read or write kanji obviously. What do you want me to do? It was done out of love and appreciation,” she wrote in a since-deleted tweet about her ink at the time. “What do you want me to say? U kno how many people make this mistake and DON’T care just cause they like how it looks? Bruh… I care sooooo much. What would u like me to do or say? Forreal.”

Grande was also selling merch with Japanese characters on it that was eventually taken down from her site. “People on this app really don’t know how to be forgiving or gentle when someone has made an innocent mistake. No one considers feelings other than their own,” she wrote amid the backlash.

Around the same time, Grande was accused of plagiarizing “7 Rings.” Princess Nokia claimed in a social media video that Grande’s hit sounded similar to “Mine” from her mixtape 1992. “Ain’t that the lil song I made about brown women and their hair? Hmmm… sounds about white,” she hinted.

In response, Grande posted — and subsequently deleted — via her Instagram Story: “White women talking about their weaves is how we’re gonna solve racism.” She later apologized for the “out of pocket” quip.

Alleged Diva Behavior

Since the beginning of her career, Grande has been accused of making outrageous demands and demonstrating unprofessional behavior. In 2014, rumors swirled that Grande’s team had a list of off-limits topics prepared for interviews and that Grande only wanted to be photographed on her left side. (She called the reports “nonsense” in a radio interview at the time.)

Grande opened up about being labeled a “diva” during a 2020 sit-down with Zane Lowe. “I stopped doing interviews for a really long time because I felt like whenever I would get into a position where somebody would try to say something for clickbait or twist my words or blah, blah, blah, I would defend myself. And then, people would be like, ‘Oh, she’s a diva,’” she said. “I was like, ‘This doesn’t make any sense.’”

While she felt like her “opinions” were often “manipulated” for a headline, Grande didn’t see the same thing happening to men in the public eye. “It’s like when men express their opinions or defend themselves or are directing something and making notes on something, they’re brilliant. And they’re genius at it. And yet, it’s just so not the same thing with women … It’s not always that way. But it does make you want to quiet down a little bit.”

Grande confessed that it hasn’t always been easy to approach negativity with a “f–k that” attitude.

Ariana Grande‘s on-set romance with Ethan Slater is far from her first brush with controversy. Since her rise to the top of the charts, Grande’s career has been plagued by scandals. In July 2015, she sparked outrage online after a video of her licking donuts — and later calling them “disgusting” and saying she hates

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Advice

How to Balance Automation and Authenticity in Brand Messaging

Published

6 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The Challenge of Modern Marketing

In today’s digital landscape, brands face a complex challenge: leveraging the power of automation while maintaining authentic connections with their audience. This delicate balance is not just a marketing tactic, but a fundamental business imperative that can make or break customer relationships in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The Promise and Peril of Automation

Automation has revolutionized content creation and distribution, offering unprecedented efficiency and scalability. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data to generate personalized content, schedule posts with pinpoint accuracy, and streamline repetitive tasks that once consumed valuable human resources. This technological leap allows marketers to focus on high-level strategy and creativity, potentially transforming the entire marketing ecosystem. However, the allure of automation comes with a significant risk: the production of generic, impersonal content that fails to resonate with audiences craving genuine interactions.

The Importance of Authenticity

Authenticity remains the cornerstone of effective brand messaging, a truth that has only intensified in the digital age. Consumers have developed a keen sense for detecting scripted or disconnected content, and they actively seek out brands that offer genuine, value-driven interactions. This desire for authenticity goes beyond mere preference; it’s a fundamental expectation that drives long-term loyalty and advocacy. Brands that successfully maintain an authentic voice build trust and emotional connections with their customers, creating a resilient foundation for sustainable growth.

Defining Brand Identity

The key to striking the right balance lies in a strategic approach that begins with a clear definition of brand voice, values, and messaging strategy. This foundational work serves as a guiding light for the implementation of automation tools, ensuring that all generated content aligns seamlessly with the brand’s authentic identity. Human oversight becomes crucial in this process; marketers must review and refine automated content, injecting nuance, emotional resonance, and contextual relevance that AI alone cannot provide.

Personalization Without Invasion

Personalization emerges as a critical factor in maintaining authenticity within automated messaging systems. By leveraging data insights to tailor content to individual preferences and behaviors, brands can create experiences that feel uniquely relevant to each customer. However, this personalization must be executed with care, avoiding the pitfalls of invasive or misleading practices that can erode trust. The most successful brands find ways to combine automated processes with genuine human interactions, especially for complex customer inquiries or sensitive issues that require empathy and nuanced understanding.

The Need for Continuous Evaluation

Ultimately, successful brand messaging in the age of automation demands a dynamic, ever-evolving approach. Marketers must continuously evaluate and adjust their strategies, conducting rigorous A/B testing and staying attuned to audience feedback. This iterative process allows brands to refine their automation tools and techniques while preserving the human touch that gives their messaging authenticity and impact.

Creating Synergy Between Automation and Authenticity

By thoughtfully integrating automation while steadfastly preserving authentic human elements, brands can create a powerful synergy. This balanced approach enables the creation of efficient, scalable, and genuinely engaging content that resonates deeply with target audiences. In doing so, brands not only meet the expectations of today’s discerning consumers but also position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly automated world.

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Advice

How to Win Gen Z Hearts with Purpose-Driven Content

Published

6 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

The Purpose Revolution: Why Gen Z Demands More Than Just Products

Gen Z isn’t just a demographic; they represent a purpose-powered generation that views consumption as a form of activism. Unlike previous generations, they don’t merely buy products; they invest in movements, ideologies, and brands that authentically reflect their worldview. Research indicates that 75% of Gen Z will actively boycott or support brands based on their social and environmental stances, making purpose not just a marketing strategy but a fundamental business imperative. This generation seeks to align their purchasing decisions with their values, demanding transparency and accountability from the brands they choose to support.

Decoding Gen Z’s Value Ecosystem: Beyond Surface-Level Activism

To effectively engage with Gen Z, brands must delve deep into the intricacies of their value system. This generation has grown up with unprecedented access to global information, witnessing climate crises, social movements, and systemic inequalities in real-time. Their values encompass environmental sustainability, social justice and equity, mental health awareness, digital privacy, ethical technology, and economic transparency. Brands that attempt to superficially check diversity boxes or create performative content will quickly be exposed and rejected by this discerning audience. Authenticity isn’t just preferred; it’s expected. For Gen Z, actions speak louder than words, and they can easily discern when a brand is being disingenuous.

The Content Architecture: Crafting Meaningful Digital Narratives

Creating compelling content for Gen Z requires a multi-dimensional approach that emphasizes visual storytelling and emotional intelligence. Effective narratives often take the form of 90-second video stories that engage viewers with relatable characters and authentic experiences. Behind-the-scenes glimpses into a brand’s operations can foster transparency and trust. Furthermore, integrating user-generated content allows for a more participatory media landscape where consumers feel like active contributors rather than passive viewers. Emotional intelligence in brand communication is equally crucial; acknowledging systemic challenges while showcasing genuine commitment to change resonates deeply with this audience. Highlighting real human stories—those of individuals impacted by social issues—can create powerful connections that transcend traditional marketing.

Strategic Collaboration: Amplifying Impact Through Authentic Partnerships

In today’s landscape, Gen Z values collective action over individualistic approaches. Brands must evolve beyond transactional influencer marketing to forge meaningful collaborations that result in tangible social impact. This involves partnering with grassroots organizations and supporting emerging social entrepreneurs whose missions align with the brand’s values. By creating platforms for marginalized voices and developing transparent impact metrics, brands can amplify their efforts and demonstrate genuine commitment to social change. Such collaborations not only enhance brand credibility but also foster community engagement and loyalty among Gen Z consumers.

Measurement and Accountability: The New Marketing Paradigm

Engaging with Gen Z through purpose-driven content is not merely about creating impactful narratives; it also requires demonstrating measurable change. This generation expects brands to publish comprehensive sustainability reports that outline their environmental impact and share concrete diversity and inclusion metrics that highlight progress in these areas. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital; brands must be willing to evolve based on feedback from their audience. Establishing transparent feedback mechanisms allows consumers to voice their opinions while holding brands accountable for their commitments.

The Transformation Imperative

Ultimately, connecting with Gen Z is not just a marketing tactic; it represents a fundamental transformation within businesses themselves. Brands must reimagine their identities as purpose-driven entities that contribute meaningfully to societal progress rather than simply selling products. The companies poised for success are those that create movements, empower communities, and redefine what business can represent in the 21st century. By embracing purpose-driven content that aligns with Gen Z’s values, brands can forge lasting connections with this influential generation, fostering loyalty and engagement in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Entertainment

MrBeast’s Epic $5M Amazon Prime Show

Published

6 days ago

December 20, 2024

Bolanle Media Staff

On December 19, 2024, the highly anticipated reality competition series “Beast Games” premiered on Amazon Prime Video, marking a significant milestone in the career of YouTube sensation Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson. This new show is a culmination of Donaldson’s signature style of extreme challenges and generous prizes, now brought to a broader audience through Amazon’s streaming platform.

The Concept and Prize

“Beast Games” features an unprecedented 1,000 contestants competing over 10 episodes for the largest cash prize in television history – a staggering $5 million. The show is designed to push participants to their limits through a series of physical and mental challenges, many of which are reminiscent of the extreme stunts and giveaways that have made MrBeast a household name on YouTube.

Production and Controversy

The production of “Beast Games” has been marred by controversy. Several contestants filed a class-action lawsuit in September, alleging workplace abuses including unpaid wages and sexual harassment during filming. These allegations have cast a shadow over the show’s launch, despite Donaldson’s efforts to address the concerns and ensure a safe and fair environment for all participants.

Promotional Tour and Hype

In the lead-up to the premiere, MrBeast embarked on a multiplatform promotional tour, appearing on popular podcasts, collaborating with esports teams like FaZe Clan, and even hosting live streams on Twitch. One notable event included bringing $5 million to Times Square to visually illustrate the grand prize, generating significant buzz and excitement among fans.

Episode Release Schedule

The first two episodes of “Beast Games” were released on December 19, 2024, with subsequent episodes set to be released weekly. Here is a brief overview of the initial episodes:

Episode 1: “1,000 People Fight for $5,000,000” – Contestants enter an arena and face their first challenges.
Episode 2: “500 People Trapped In My City” – The number of contestants is halved, and the remaining participants navigate a new city built by MrBeast’s team.

Unique Elements and Collaborations

“Beast Games” is not just a competition; it’s an immersive experience. The show features elaborate sets, including a city built from scratch, and challenges that range from monster trucks to helicopter jumps. Additionally, MrBeast has collaborated with other brands and platforms, such as Roblox, where fans can participate in challenges mirroring those on the show.

Viewing and Engagement

Fans can watch “Beast Games” exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, available with a basic subscription. The show is also promoted through various Amazon services, including Amazon Fresh, which is distributing “Beast Games”-branded bags in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Conclusion

“Beast Games” represents a new frontier for MrBeast, transitioning his unique brand of entertainment from YouTube to a major streaming platform. Despite the controversies surrounding its production, the show promises to deliver high-energy challenges, massive prizes, and an engaging viewing experience. As the series unfolds, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this ambitious project and whether it will cement MrBeast’s status as a television personality as well as a YouTube sensation.