“I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public and kind of been, you know, a specimen in a petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17,” the ‘Wicked’ actress said.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the ‘Wicked’ European premiere in London. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Ariana Grande responded to criticism about her appearance in a joint interview with Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo.

The “Thank U Next” singer held back tears while speaking with French journalist and content creator Salima Poumbga as she discussed the comments she’s heard about her weight and body.

“I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public and kind of been, you know, a specimen in a petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17,” Grande said as Erivo held her hand.

“So, I have heard it all. I’ve heard every version of it, of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it, and then it’s wrong for different reasons.”

“It’s hard to protect yourself from that noise,” she continued. “It’s something that is uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing it on, even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my God you look skinnier, what happened?’ or ‘You look heavier, what happened?’”

Grande added that there is a “comfortability” that society has in critiquing others that is “dangerous for all parties involved.” The singer said that she’s learned to ignore the criticism with the help of her loved ones.

“I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have and to just know and trust that I’m beautiful. But I do know what the pressure of that noise feels like,” Grande shared.

“It’s been a resident in my life since I was 17. I just don’t invite it in anymore. I have work to do, I have a life to live, I have friends to love on. I have so much love. It’s not invited, so I don’t leave space for it anymore.

“You keep yourself safe because no one has the right to say shit,” she concluded.

Grande has been the subject of social media chatter about her weight since she began the press tour for her new film, Wicked, in November. The actress stars as Glinda the Good in the movie musical, which has received critical acclaim and opened to $112.5 million at the domestic box office.