Ariana Grande has publicly defended her forthcoming break from the spotlight, telling fans in Chicago that the decision was quietly made "a long time ago" rather than being a reaction to recent negative press. Speaking during the first of three shows at the United Center on Monday night, she said the choice came from a "thoughtful and empowered place" and insisted that setting boundaries did not diminish her love of touring, calling the "Eternal Sunshine" run "the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, special experience" of her career.

Her representative confirmed on Sunday that Grande will step back from public-facing work once the tour ends, a move that coincided with news she is dropping out of the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Sunday in the Park With George" and followed the release of her new album "Petal" two days earlier, whose title-track video drew scrutiny over her appearance. Grande told the crowd that "multiple things can be true at the same time" and that ongoing public negativity was not "ruining things" for her. The "Eternal Sunshine" tour concludes on 1 September at London's O2 Arena.