Pop sensation Ariana Grande, known for her impressive vocal range and chart-topping hits like “7 Rings,” is no stranger to controversy. However, her recent remarks about serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer have sparked a new wave of criticism, especially from the families of Dahmer’s victims. In a podcast appearance, Grande expressed a hypothetical interest in having dinner with Dahmer, a comment that has not sat well with her fans and the public.
The Controversial Podcast Revelation
On the Podcrushed podcast, hosted by Penn Badgley, Ariana Grande shared an anecdote from her early career where she was asked which historical figure she would choose to dine with, living or dead. Her choice? Jeffrey Dahmer, the infamous serial killer known as the Milwaukee Cannibal. Grande described her fascination with serial killers, particularly Dahmer, saying,
“I mean, Jeffrey Dahmer is pretty fascinating. I think I would have loved to have met him, y’know, maybe with a third party involved. But I have questions.”
This remark quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism. The internet erupted with fans and critics alike questioning the appropriateness of her comments, considering Dahmer’s gruesome history of murdering and dismembering 17 young men between 1978 and 1991.
The Victims’ Families Respond
The backlash was particularly intense from the family of Tony Hughes, a deaf and mute man who was one of Dahmer’s victims. Hughes’ mother, Shirley, expressed her disdain to TMZ, stating,
“To me, it seems like she’s sick in her mind. It’s not fancy or funny to say you would have wanted to do dinner with him.”
Her words reflect a profound grief and frustration with how casually Dahmer’s atrocities are sometimes discussed in media and entertainment.
Tony Hughes’ sister, Barbara, also condemned Grande’s comments, emphasizing that they glamorize a monstrous figure.
“Unfortunately, until it happens to her and her family, she just doesn’t know what we have been through,”
she remarked, highlighting the insensitivity of Grande’s statement.
A Pattern of Insensitivity?
This incident has reopened wounds from 2022, when Netflix’s “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” faced similar criticisms. The series was accused of exploiting the victims’ families’ pain for entertainment. Shirley Hughes, among others, criticized the streaming platform for using their personal tragedies as material, underscoring a recurring issue of insensitivity in the portrayal of such dark figures in media.
Victim Erroll Lindsey’s sister, Rita Isbell, echoed these sentiments, accusing Netflix of acting harshly and carelessly by capitalizing on the tragedy. Despite these controversies, series creator Ryan Murphy defended the show, but the debate about ethical storytelling in true crime entertainment continues.
Grande’s History with Controversy
Ariana Grande is no stranger to the limelight or controversy. Her career has been punctuated by various personal and public challenges. However, the Dahmer comment controversy is notably different, drawing attention not just to Grande but to a broader cultural fascination with figures like Dahmer. It raises important questions about the boundaries of celebrity statements and the impact they have on the families of victims who continue to seek peace.
As this latest episode unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities public figures bear, especially when discussing sensitive topics. The controversy is likely to influence how celebrities approach such subjects in the future, urging a more thoughtful and considerate discourse in the public eye.
