Ariana Grande’s Donut-Licking Scandal Wasn’t A Big Deal, Says Scooter Braun

Ariana Grande’s manager Scooter Braun doesn’t think that the singer’s donut-licking scandal was a big deal. In fact, he thinks that the world should be focused on more important things than a pop-star cross-contaminating merchandise that’s left out in the open.

Ariana Grande caused controversy when she was seen licking donuts in a shop in California over the Fourth of July weekend. On July 4, the “Focus” singer and her boyfriend walked into Wolfee Donuts in Lake Elsimore, where they were seen licking unsold donuts when an employee went into the back of the store. They were seen kissing on camera, and then Grande was heard making anti-American comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFXCPuvajzk

She proceeded to lick two donuts and said that she “hated” America and Americans for their love of sweets. As crazy as it was, it quickly became one of the biggest pop culture moments in 2015, according to The Press Enterprise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPvuri1VzAs

Ariana Grande has since apologized for her donut scandal. She’s also been attempting a comeback with her appearance in the new Fox series Scream Queens and releasing her lead single “Focus,” off her upcoming album, Moonlight. Ariana’s manager Scooter Braun spoke to The New York Times about his musical acts, including Ari.

When he learned about the singer’s donut-licking scandal, he immediately called her and offered her some advice.

“I tell her, you have to address the mistakes that you made and own them. Some of the words she used in that shop were things she needed to address, and she did.”

Despite creating controversy with licking the donuts and making anti-American comments, Braun believes that Grande’s little scandal was a bit silly. He says that the general public should be worried about more important issues. It seems Braun is unaware that people can discuss Grande’s donut-licking scandal and be aware of other issues in the world.

“But I also think – not about her, but just in general – we’re getting a little ridiculous when it comes to doughnuts and eggs. The rock stars of ’70s were really [expletive]. Let’s talk about some real stuff. Why are we discussing that when we have real significant issues in the world? Like, gun control. And the fact that a presidential candidate is saying things that I find to be anti-American. These are the things we should be angry and frustrated about.”

Scooter Braun also spoke out about his other controversial artist, Justin Bieber. He revealed that the reason why he didn’t want the Canadian pop singer to tour after the release of his 2013 digital release Journals.

“[After ‘Journals,’ Bieber’s 2013 digital compilation,] he wanted to tour, and I honestly at that time felt, if he toured, he could die.”

He also revealed his thoughts on Carly Rae Jepsen’s sophomore album, EMOTION, which has received high praise, but only sold 16,000 copies in its first week. He says that he blames himself for not marketing and pushing the singer’s new album in the U.S. market.

“We had the biggest single in the entire world last time [‘Call Me Maybe’], and we sold 30,000 copies in the U.S. This is the music business — it’s a worldwide business. Carly’s album is gigantic in Japan, which is the second-biggest music market in the world. In other markets, this album is a humongous success. I think that I tried everything, and it falls on me. I didn’t get it done for her.”

What are your thoughts on Scooter Braun’s comments about Ariana Grande? Do you agree that her donut-licking scandal was absurd? Or, do you believe that Grande deserved the backlash she received? Sound off below in the comments section.

[Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]