“I haven’t before and still don’t feel the need to now, which is okay.”
Ariana Grande has refused to label her sexuality.
The American performer recently sparked interest over her sexuality after the release of her new song, Monopoly, which is a duet with fellow singer and friend, Victoria Monet.
On the certified bop, Ariana sings: “I like women and men (yeah) / Work so fuckin’ much, need a twinny, twin, twin (hey) / You’d be straight for life if I gave you my PIN (yeah) / Even though we gave up that 90% for the win.”
Victoria also came out as bisexual last year, so fans have come to the conclusion that this is Ariana’s way of confirming her attraction to both men and women.
When a fan asked Victoria on Instagram whether or not Ariana is actually bisexual, she didn’t provide a yes or no answer, but instead simply replied: “She said what she said.”
Shortly after the song’s release, a fan tweeted, “ariana ain’t gotta label herself, but she said what she said,” to which the star responded: “I haven’t before and still don’t feel the need to now, which is okay.”
Ariana – who recently broke chart records with the release of her fifth studio album, thank u, next – was at the centre of controversy earlier this year after she was announced to headline Manchester Pride.
While many fans weree ecstatic at the chance to see their favourite artist perform and celebrate equality, some were unhappy that a ‘straight’ performer is headlining an LGBTQ festival, and accused her of ‘exploitation’.
“Ariana headlining pride when she’s straight (as far as we’re all aware) and doubling the price of tickets kinda smells like exploitation of the LGBTQ community to me,” wrote one Twitter user.
In response to the backlash, Ariana took to social media to share a short explanation of why she decided to accept the offer to headline, and reaffirm her adoration for the LGBTQ community.
“The LGBTQ community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career. The relationships I have with my LGBTQ fans, friends, and family make me so so happy,” she wrote.
“I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me. And also I wanna visit a city that means to much to me.”
She continued: “LGBTQ representation is incredibly important, and I’m always proud to share the stage with LGBTQ artists!
“Over the years, pride events have been headlined by performers and artists of all sexual orientations and genders, including straight allies like Cher and Kylie Minogue.
“I do think there’s room for us to talk about these issues without equating a performance *for* an LGBTQ audience with exploitation of the LGBTQ community.
“If you truly feel like I didn’t deserve to be offered this spot, I respect that. But I did accept it excitedly and gratefully.
“I’m not claiming to be the hero of the community or the face of the LGBTQ rights movement – I just wanna put on a show that makes my LGBTQ fans feel special and celebrated and supported. That’s all I wanna do.”
Ariana also addressed criticism of the controversial increase in Manchester Pride ticket prices this year, making it clear that she “has nothing to do with” the prices and that they are “out of [her] control”.
Read her full reply below.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1100833408144498688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1100833408144498688&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcd-gaytimes.j.layershift.co.uk%2Fcommunity%2F119097%2Fariana-grande-responds-to-claims-shes-exploiting-the-lgbtq-community%2F
Monopoly is now available on iTunes and streaming services.
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