Ariana Grande, the pop sensation known for her hits like "thank u, next" and "7 rings," is facing significant backlash following her controversial comments about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The remarks have sparked outrage, particularly from the families of Dahmer's victims, who find her statements deeply insensitive and hurtful.
Shirley Hughes, the mother of Tony Hughes, one of Dahmer's victims, expressed her dismay over Grande's comments during an interview with TMZ. Tony Hughes was an aspiring model who was deaf and unable to speak. He was killed by Dahmer after they met at a gay bar in 1991. Shirley Hughes described Grande's remarks as disturbing and called out the singer for making light of a situation that has caused immense pain to many families.
"To me, it seems like she's sick in her mind," Shirley said, criticizing Grande for her comments. "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."
The controversy began when Grande, during an appearance on the "Popcrushed" podcast, shared that she had a fascination with Jeffrey Dahmer and would have liked to have dinner with him to ask him questions. This revelation came in response to a fan's question during a Q&A session. Grande's lighthearted tone while discussing such a serious and tragic topic did not sit well with many, including the Hughes family.
Tony's sister, Barbara Hughes-Holt, emphasized the emotional impact of Grande's words on the families of Dahmer's victims. She called on Grande to apologize, not only to acknowledge the hurt caused but also to help her fans understand the gravity of the situation and the pain experienced by the victims' families.
"Unfortunately, until it happens to her and her family, she just doesn't know what we have been through," Barbara said, underscoring the disconnect between Grande's comments and the real-life suffering of those affected by Dahmer's crimes.
The public reaction to Grande's comments has been swift and critical. Social media users have condemned her statements, with many pointing out the insensitivity of glamorizing or showing fascination with a notorious serial killer. One user remarked, "Good for the family for speaking out. People are so out of touch that they seem to forget with 'popular' killers that there are very real families and victims out there who are affected by the glamorization of them."
Another commented, "Good because what the actual f--- is wrong with her," while a third person drew a parallel to the Manchester bombing, a tragic event that Grande herself has been closely associated with due to her concert being targeted. "She is sick. Imagine a fascination with the Manchester bomber and having the desire to have dinner with him. This girl doesn't connect the dots despite the trauma she's endured herself. It's sad."