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Ariana Grande had a full fangirl second when she noticed Leighton Meester on the crimson carpet on the 2026 Critics Alternative Awards — however a split-second change between the 2 stars rapidly was an internet-wide debate.
Whereas strolling the carpet on Sunday, January 4, Ariana, 32, lit up upon seeing Leighton and her husband, Adam Brody. The pop star, who was nominated for Greatest Supporting Actress for her function in Depraved: For Good, might barely include her pleasure as she shouted, “I really like you a lot!” towards the couple.
Clearly overwhelmed, Ariana clutched her chest and exclaimed, “Wow, wow, wow,” earlier than persevering with on her approach.
Leighton’s response — repeating “wah, wah, wah” with fun — is what sparked confusion on-line. Whereas some viewers initially interpreted the second as teasing, others have been fast to level out that the road may very well be a direct reference to Gossip Lady, the enduring sequence that made Meester a family title.
The clip rapidly circulated on-line, racking up thousands and thousands of views, with one TikTok alone incomes greater than 1.1 million likes. On X (previously Twitter), reactions have been break up.
“Was Leighton making enjoyable of her??” one individual questioned. “Now why she make enjoyable of Ari’s ‘wow’ and snigger with the workers??? impolite???” one other wrote. “Leighton making enjoyable of Ariana saying ‘wow’ um…” a 3rd added.
However as quick because the criticism rolled in, followers rushed to Leighton’s protection, insisting the second was being blown wildly out of proportion.
“You’ll be able to even inform how Ariana says that in a sarcastic approach, trigger it’s all a part of the jokeee! she was not laughing at her, she was laughing WITH HER,” one TikTok consumer argued.
Others claimed Leighton’s response was truly a reference to Gossip Lady, the place her iconic character Blair Waldorf delivered the same line (which you’ll watch right here).
“Guys, it was a reference from Gossip Lady. Leighton was not being imply,” one fan commented. “She wasn’t mocking, Ariana stated, ‘Wow wow wow.’ Leighton stated, ‘Wah wah wah.’ That’s the reference,” one other added.
Some followers have been merely thrilled to see a touch of Blair vitality resurface. “It’s not Leighton, ITS BLAIR,” one consumer declared.
Extra defenders identified that Leighton appeared extra surprised than shady. “She wasn’t mocking, she was charmed and repeating it playfully cuz Ari’s supply was so adorably additional 😭 pure fangirl vitality on either side,” one tweet learn.
One other theorized, “lol she in all probability simply preferred the way in which she stated it generally i repeat issues ppl say too not in a imply approach tho.”
“Leighton appeared surprised and giggly. It’s a cute convo..” another person added.
For context, 39-year-old Leighton rose to fame as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl in 2007 and attended the ceremony to help Adam, who was nominated for Greatest Actor in a Comedy Sequence for No one Desires This. The award finally went to Seth Rogen for The Studio.
In the meantime, Ariana was up for Greatest Supporting Actress for her flip as Glinda in Depraved: For Good, however misplaced to Amy Madigan, who took house the trophy for Weapons.
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