Ariana Grande made a startling confession during a recent conversation with her “Boy Is Mine” co-star Penn Badgley. The two-time Grammy winner, who is turning 31 next week, admitted on the “Podcrushed” podcast that she was once infatuated with serial killers.
Grande shared a particularly macabre story from her past. She recalled a Q&A session with young fans, during which she was asked who she would choose to have dinner with, living or dead. Her surprising answer was Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious serial killer. She explained that she found him fascinating and had many questions she would have liked to ask him, though she jokingly noted it would have to be in the presence of a third party. This answer, she noted, left the parents of the young fans explaining her response to their children.
Dahmer, infamously known as the Milwaukee Monster or the Milwaukee Cannibal, committed heinous crimes between 1978 and 1991, including the rape, murder, and dismemberment of 17 young men and boys. Diagnosed with multiple personality disorders, Dahmer was eventually killed by a fellow inmate in 1994.
The podcast episode was timely, following the release of the Netflix series “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” in 2022. Despite its dismal reviews, the series depicted Dahmer’s horrifying crimes and the desperation of his victims’ families for justice. Evan Peters, who portrayed Dahmer, won a Golden Globe for his performance, acknowledging the difficulty of making and watching the series, but hoping it brought some good.
However, the show’s release was controversial. The producers claimed to have reached out to the families of 20 victims, but some, including Rita Isbell, sister of Errol Lindsey, said they were never contacted. Isbell described the show as harsh and careless, saying it retraumatized her.
Grande’s conversation with Badgley was sparked by his appearance in the music video for her new single, “The Boy Is Mine,” which was released on June 7. Fans can soon see her in another role, starring as Glinda Upland in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu. The first part of the movie is set to hit U.S. theaters on November 27, followed by the second part on November 26, 2025.
This confession by Grande, particularly during LGBTQAI Pride Month, is surprising considering Dahmer’s history of targeting young men, often from the LGBTQ+ community. The pop star’s casual mention of her fascination with Dahmer is likely to provoke strong reactions from her fanbase.
Despite the controversy, Grande continues to thrive in her career. Her upcoming role in “Wicked” has fans eagerly anticipating her performance. She stars alongside her real-life boyfriend, Ethan Slater, in the film, which promises to be a major event upon its release.
Overall, Grande’s revelation about her fascination with serial killers, particularly Jeffrey Dahmer, is a stark reminder of how celebrity comments can unexpectedly stir public discourse and reveal surprising facets of their personalities.