Madison Beer 'devastated' after Ariana Grande cameo claim backlash

Madison Beer has opened up about the backlash that left her “devastated” after she claimed Ariana Grande once wanted her to appear in the iconic Thank U, Next music video.

The 2018 smash-hit video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, famously featured a star-studded lineup including Jennifer Coolidge, Colleen Ballinger, Jonathan Bennett and Kris Jenner. 

But the 27-year-old singer says her attempt to share her own connection to the project quickly spiralled into online hate.

Speaking on Owen Thiele’s In Your Dreams podcast, make you mine hitmaker explained she had originally spoken excitedly about being approached for a cameo that never happened due to scheduling conflicts.

“It really was that serious,” she said, recalling how the reaction turned sour. 

“People were hating on me and ripping me apart… saying I was the cringiest person alive. Why would I lie about it?”

Madison admitted she was simply caught up in the excitement at the time, believing she was sharing a harmless behind-the-scenes moment as Thank U, Next was dominating the charts. 

Instead, she says it became a turning point in how she was perceived online.

“I thought I was spilling tea,” she added. 

“But I didn’t realise it would become this pivotal moment I couldn’t come back from.”

The songstress also revealed she was deeply hurt by accusations she had made the story up, even considering posting “proof” before deciding against it. 

“It was kind of sad,” she said, reflecting on the pressure of being doubted so publicly.

Looking back, Madison said the experience ultimately taught her to stop worrying so much about public opinion.

For the unversed, Thank U, Next debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with its viral video paying homage to cult teen classics including Mean Girls and Legally Blonde. 

Madison is now touring Europe, while Ariana is preparing to launch her Eternal Sunshine tour in June.

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