'I feel personally victimized by Ariana Grande's attire': Ariana Grande wore a short dress to Aretha Franklin's funeral, and people are not impressed
Social media ripped into Ariana Grande on Friday over her performance at Aretha Franklin’s funeral — and the reason had nothing to do with the songs she sang.
The 24-year-old vocal powerhouse arrived to the Queen of Soul’s funeral in Detroit wearing a short black minidress and stiletto heels, which many deemed disrespectful attire.
Grande performed a rendition of Franklin’s iconic hit, “Natural Woman” and immediately received an onslaught of criticism for her outfit choice.
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Good to see Ariana Grande wore a cocktail dress to a funeral. She must have kept her long dresses at home. Next to all of the Aretha albums she doesn't own.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) August 31, 2018
Dear @ArianaGrande the dress you wore to that service was completely disturbing and disrespectful. You're beautiful honey, but next time you enter the church make sure the attire is long enough to cover your knees. Thanks #ArethaHomegoing
— Kandi (@kandi_dreams1) August 31, 2018
While almost all places of worship call for modest attire, Twitter users were particularly focused on Grande’s look as being taboo for a predominantly black congregation.
Ariana Grande. Most people were probably scandalized by her outfit. Out here wearing a mini dress to a black funeral. You don’t wear anything above the knee to a black funeral. At. ALL
— Nicole (@Its_me_Yemi) August 31, 2018
“I feel personally victimized by Ariana Grande’s attire. She didn’t get the memo on Black Church standards,” @Geneva S.Thomas tweeted. “She is not wearing a hat and her hem is not passed her knee. Her makeup is also not saintly. Somebody escort her and that ponytail out, please.”
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Despite the overwhelming disapproval for the star’s ensemble, many were quick to condemn the critics.
I’m seeing a lot of people who talk about the Black Church being judgmental judge Ariana Grande’s dress. Y’all are hypocrites. What happened to not policing women on how we dress? #ArethaFranklinFuneral #ArethaHomegoing
— BRIANA 🎬🖤🕷👻 (@briasoboojie) August 31, 2018
Aside from Grande, Franklin’s funeral featured performances by stars like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Faith Hill and Jennifer Hudson.
Franklin died on Aug. 16 at the age of 76. Days before her death, it was confirmed that the music icon was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer. Her funeral was held at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple with a burial planned at Woodlawn Cemetery.
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