After Receiving Widespread Backlash For “Mocking” Ariana Grande On A Red Carpet, Leighton Meester Has Explained What Actually Went Down — And She’s Super Embarrassed About It

Leighton Meester explains her reaction to her viral encounter with Ariana Grande at the Critics Choice Awards:

“I was with Kate [my publicist]. And she [Ariana] said something to me. And then Kate turns around and we both heard that she goes, ‘hi, I love you. Wah, wah, wah’. I… pic.twitter.com/WgR6Da4VYf

— Leighton Meester Daily (@leighmeesterorg) February 18, 2026