Ariana Grande has issued a personal "thank u, next" to one of the internet's most frustratingly enduring trolls, Piers Morgan.
On Wednesday (November 21), Ari stepped up to defend Little Mix after they were targeted in a series of misogynistic comments from Morgan.
It all started when the outspoken TV host posted a pic from the girl group's 'Strip' video, implying they ripped off Dixie Chicks. That incited a fervent response from Joan Grande, who tweeted him the age-old wisdom, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it!"
Morgan responded by dragging Ariana into the drama, suggesting Little Mix "use their talent to sell records rather than their nudity. As your own daughter does."
Honestly what is wrong with you @piersmorgan ? Didn't your mother ever teach you, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it! You came for @TheEllenShow yesterday which was disgraceful, she is an angel. @LittleMix today, did you ever hear of paying homage? And..well never mind https://t.co/5WBOlL8t6O
— Joan Grande (@joangrande) November 21, 2018
That's when the Sweetener singer stepped in and schooled him. She wrote, "I use my talent AND my sexuality all the time because I choose to. Women can be sexual AND talented. Naked and dignified. It's OUR choice."
It was an excellent retort, but she wasn't done. She added, "I look forward to the day you realize there are other ways to go about making yourself relevant than to criticize young, beautiful, successful women for everything they do. I think that'll be a beautiful thing for you and your career or what's left of it." Zing!
Ellen is an incredible & kind human being.. I use my talent AND my sexuality all the time because i choose to. women can be sexual AND talented. naked and dignified. it's OUR choice. 🖤 & we will keep fighting til people understand. i say this w all due respect but thank u, next. https://t.co/wSknRSlJN8
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
also @piersmorgan, i look forward to the day you realize there are other ways to go about making yourself relevant than to criticize young, beautiful, successful women for everything they do. i think that'll be a beautiful thing for you and your career or what's left of it. 🖤
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
In a separate tweet, Ari addressed Little Mix directly, telling her former Dangerous Woman Tour openers, "Keep fighting the fight divas. Your sisters have your back." The LM5 group replied, "Thank you. What we do with our bodies is our choice. ... We love you Ari."
thank you ♥️ what we do with our bodies is our choice and we felt liberated owning the negative words thrown at us as women. We'll never stop talking/writing music about issues that affect so many women around the world. We have a voice to use it! we love you Ari 🖤 the girls x
— Little Mix (@LittleMix) November 21, 2018
After that, Ariana got back to her regularly scheduled programming — a.k.a., continuing to tease her rom-com-inspired 'thank u, Next' video — but don't think she won't return to put a troll in their place if the need arises. As she, her mom, and Little Mix just proved, girl power is alive and thriving.
— Madeline Roth