Ariana Grande Is 'Disheartened' by Elvira's Claim of Rude Behavior Years Ago, Recalls Having 'an Anxiety Attack'

Mar. 15, 2025

Ariana Grande; Cassandra Peterson.Photo:Rodin Eckenroth/Getty; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Ariana Grandeis “disheartened” after hearing actress Cassandra Peterson, also known asElvira, recall a disappointing encounter between the two years ago.

In a recent viralYouTubeandTikTokvideo, Peterson, 73, had recalled one of her worst celebrity interactions, alleging at an onstage horror-themed event that the “Thank U, Next” singer once refused to take a photo with her after asking she posewith a large group of Grande’s friends and relatives. Peterson’s remarks drew boos from the crowd.

Grande, 31,commentedon the post the following day, writing on Oct. 21 that she was “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),” Grande said in her comment.

Cassandra Peterson as Elvira.Scott Everett White/ABC/Getty

Scott Everett White/ABC/Getty

“but if i’m misremembering this moment, i sincerely apologize for offending you so,” she added. “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!)”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Ariana Grande at the 2024 Academy Museum Gala on Oct. 19.Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

On social media, fans of both Grande and Peterson have been sounding off on the recollection of their meeting, with many pointing out that it appeared to have taken place years ago.

Grande hasspoken about her anxietybefore, particularly in the wake of the terrorist attack. “I’ve always had anxiety,” she toldVogue U.K.in 2018. “I’ve never really spoken about it because I thought everyone had it, but when I got home from tour it was the most severe I think it’s ever been.”

Grande most recently attended theAcademy Museum Gala, which was held in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 19,sharingphotos of the evening on Instagram.

At the event, she posed withWickedcostarCynthia Erivoahead of the Nov. 22 theatrical release of the first part of the stage-to-screen musical adaptation. A second installment,Wicked: Part Two,is slated for release on Nov. 26, 2025.

source: people.com