Ariana Grande found herself in hot water after making some controversial remarks about infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer during a recent podcast appearance. Her comments didn't sit well with the family of one of Dahmer's victims, sparking significant backlash.
On the June 17 episode of the “Podcrushed” podcast, Ariana Grande, famously known for her hit single “Yes, And?”, dove into her fascination with true crime stories. During the chat with hosts Sophie Ansari, Penn Badgley, and Nava Kavelin, Grande candidly discussed her long-standing interest in serial killers.
At one point, Grande shared an anecdote that left many listeners stunned. Reflecting on a fan encounter from her transition period between her role as Cat on Nickelodeon's “Victorious” and her burgeoning pop career, she recalled being asked an unusual question. “It was a younger group, and they were with parents, and someone said, ‘If you could have dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be?’” she recounted. Her response? “I mean, Jeffrey Dahmer is pretty fascinating.”
Dahmer, a name that sends shivers down the spine, was responsible for the gruesome murders of at least 17 young men, predominantly gay men of color. The renewed interest in Dahmer's crimes was partly fueled by a 2022 Netflix documentary, which faced its own wave of criticism for the portrayal of Dahmer and the morbid fascination it generated.
“I think I would have loved to have met him... I have questions,” Grande continued. This admission didn't go down well, especially with the families of Dahmer's victims. Shirley Hughes, the mother of Tony Hughes, who was brutally murdered by Dahmer in 1991, was particularly vocal about her disdain.
“To me, it seems like she’s sick in her mind,” Hughes expressed to TMZ. “It’s not fancy or funny to say you would have wanted to do dinner with him. It’s also not something you should say to young people, which she says she did.” Shirley wasn't alone in her outrage. Barbara Hughes, Tony’s sister, also weighed in, demanding an apology from Grande. She felt that the singer's remarks were not only insensitive but also deeply disrespectful to the victims and their families.
Key Points to Highlight:
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Grande’s Fascination with True Crime: Ariana Grande shared her interest in true crime stories, particularly serial killers, a subject she delved into during her podcast appearance.
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Controversial Remarks: The singer made headlines when she mentioned she found Jeffrey Dahmer fascinating and would have liked to meet him, sparking outrage among listeners and victims' families.
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Family’s Backlash: The family of Tony Hughes, one of Dahmer's victims, publicly criticized Grande. Shirley Hughes labeled Grande's comments as sick and inappropriate, especially for her young audience.
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Calls for Apology: Barbara Hughes, Tony's sister, demanded a public apology from Grande, emphasizing the insensitivity of her comments.
In an era where the true crime genre has exploded in popularity, it’s not uncommon for public figures to express an interest in the macabre. However, Grande’s remarks struck a particularly sensitive nerve, highlighting the fine line between curiosity and insensitivity. The families of Dahmer's victims continue to bear the emotional scars of his horrific actions, and comments like Grande’s can inadvertently reopen old wounds.
The backlash against Grande’s comments serves as a stark reminder of the impact words can have, especially when discussing such deeply traumatic events. As a public figure with a considerable influence over a young audience, there’s an added responsibility to speak thoughtfully and sensitively on topics that have affected real lives in devastating ways.
Moving forward, Grande's experience could serve as a learning moment for both her and her fans about the importance of empathy and the consequences of glamorizing real-life horrors. While the fascination with true crime is likely to persist, it’s crucial to approach these stories with respect for the victims and their families who continue to live with the pain of their loss.
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