In July 2015, pop star Ariana Grande found herself at the center of a major controversy after security footage emerged showing her engaging in inappropriate and unpatriotic behavior at a California donut shop.

The video depicted Grande approaching a display of donuts, licking several of them, and then telling her companion “I hate Americans. I hate America.” This shocking incident quickly went viral online, sparking widespread public backlash against the young singer.

Grande’s actions were widely condemned as disrespectful, unsanitary, and disloyal to her own country and fans. Many accused her of wasting food and showing blatant disdain for the United States. Some called for boycotts of her music, while others demanded a sincere apology from the singer.

Initially, Grande attempted to excuse her behavior, claiming she was simply making a statement about the poor nutrition of processed foods. However, this explanation did little to quell the public outrage. Eventually, the singer was forced to release a more genuine apology, acknowledging that her actions were “disgusting” and “inexcusable.”

The donut-licking scandal proved to be a major public relations crisis for Ariana Grande. It tarnished her wholesome, girl-next-door image and led many to question her values, maturity, and sense of patriotism. Though she weathered the storm, the incident served as a harsh lesson that even minor missteps can have serious consequences for high-profile celebrities in the digital age.