Ariana Grande is facing backlash from fans and critics after asserting she couldn’t “remember” a meeting with actress Cassandra Peterson, famously known for her role as the horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Last week, the Wicked star, 31, issued an apology to Peterson, 73, who dubs herself the “Queen of Halloween,” following Peterson’s revelation that she felt slighted during their encounter years ago.
Despite the apology, many on social media remain unconvinced, labeling Grande’s apology as “insincere” and continuing to brand her as a “mean girl.” In a widely shared Instagram video from last month, Peterson was questioned about her experiences with celebrities during a fan Q&A session at Knott’s Scary Farm, held at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.
The goth icon shared an anecdote about her most unpleasant celebrity encounter, involving a singer whose name she hinted “rhymes with Pariana Mande.”
Ariana Grande Comes Under Fire For 'Insincere' Apology To Cassandra Peterson (Elvira) On Social Media
Peterson recounted that the Grammy winner had asked for 20 tickets to an Elvira performance for her friends and family. Peterson noted that she signed autographs and posed for photos with them backstage. However, when Peterson requested a photo with Grande, she allegedly refused, stating, "No, I don’t really do that," which elicited boos from the audience. Peterson added that the "7 rings" artist left before the Elvira show even started, abandoning her friends and family.
On October 21st, the R.E.M. Beauty mogul chimed in on Peterson's Instagram post, which featured screenshots of an article detailing Peterson's assertions. Grande commented: "i’m so disheartened to see this. i actually don’t even remember getting the chance to meet you because i had an anxiety attack and to my memory, left before the rest of my family (this was around 7 years ago and at the time i was really not great with being in public crowds or loud places)."
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The "Positions" crooner continued: "but if i’m misremembering this moment, i sincerely apologize for offending you so." Grande, as a few fans noted in the comments, was likely alluding to the aftermath of the tragic bombing at her Manchester, England concert in 2017, which claimed the lives of 22 people.
The Victorious alum continued: "thank you for being so nice to my mom, she told me how lovely you were (she might have different feelings about that now but i’ll talk to her… clearly, we all have our days!) you’ll always be our queen of halloween!" While many supporters of Grande rallied to her defense, emphasizing that she was experiencing a difficult period during the incident, others aligned themselves with Peterson, particularly after seeing Grande's apology.
One noted on Instagram: "Using 'misremember' while attempting to apologize is bs." Another expressed: "If you're having an anxiety attack about crowds, why are you bringing 20 people in your entourage and asking Elvira to sign autographs for each one?"
Someone else claimed Grande was "using her anxiety as an excuse" as one other deemed her to be a "mean girl." An additional user wrote: "Im pretty sure Ariana has been accused of being rude on multiple occasions lol" as another concurred: "I believe Elvira."
Peterson gained fame for her iconic portrayal of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in the 80s TV show Elvira’s Movie Macabre, and films Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) and Elvira’s Haunted Hills (2001).
Meanwhile, Grande is set to take on the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Wicked. During the aforementioned Elvira panel discussion, one of the hosts remarked that Grande was "playing the wrong witch."
Wicked debuted at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia on November 3rd, with its US theatrical release following on November 22nd. The sequel, Wicked Part Two, is anticipated to hit theaters in November of next year.
