Pop star Ariana Grande has issued an apology to actress Cassandra Peterson, best known for her iconic role as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, following allegations that Grande ignored her during a meet-and-greet.
According to Peterson, Grande had requested tickets to one of her stage shows for herself and family members. Peterson claimed that while she posed for photos and signed autographs for Grande’s entourage, the singer refused to reciprocate and left before the performance.
Grande responded via Instagram, expressing disappointment over Peterson’s comments and attributing her early departure to an anxiety attack. “I didn’t even remember getting the chance to meet you,” Grande wrote.
The incident allegedly occurred approximately seven years ago, following the terror attack at Grande’s Manchester concert. Grande explained that, at the time, she struggled with public crowds and loud spaces.
“If I’m misremembering this moment, I sincerely apologize for offending you so,” Grande said. “Thank you for being so nice to my mum… sending love always. You’ll always be our queen of Halloween.”
Peterson’s account of the encounter recently went viral, with the actress laughing at a comment that Grande was “playing the wrong witch,” referencing her upcoming role as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked.
The apology comes amidst controversy surrounding fan-edited images of Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo from the Wicked promotional tour. Erivo condemned the edits, stating, “None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.”
Grande agreed that fan edits can go “too far” and expressed her respect for Erivo, calling the issue “very complicated.”
