Ariana Grande’s Eerie New Music Video Sparks Fan Debate Over Justin Long’s Appearance
Pop superstar Ariana Grande has dropped the music video for her latest single, “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” a visually striking and unsettling clip that plunges into the depths of psychological horror. The video, directed by Grande’s long-time collaborator Christian Breslauer (known for her 2025 short film “Brighter Days Ahead”), features an unexpected co-star: American actor Justin Long.
The cinematic clip, lauded for its ambitious storytelling and dark aesthetic, was shot by the renowned cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, a frequent collaborator of Steven Spielberg. It opens with a chilling scene: Long is shown burying Grande in an underground bunker, its walls lined with notebooks detailing her various insecurities. This sets the stage for a surreal and theatrical exploration of memory, self-perception, and the weight of emotional baggage, a style that has become a signature of Grande’s recent artistic output.
Released this past Friday, “Hate That I Made You Love Me” signals a new era for the singer, serving as a prelude to her upcoming eighth studio album, “Petal,” slated for release on July 31.
Who is Justin Long?
Justin Long is an American actor who gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s through his roles in cult classics such as “Galaxy Quest,” “Jeepers Creepers,” and “DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story.” Many who grew up in the millennial generation will also recall his memorable turn as the friendly “Mac Guy” in Apple’s iconic advertising campaigns, often appearing opposite John Hodgman.
Throughout his career, Long has showcased his versatility across genres, starring in comedies, horror films, and romantic dramas. His filmography includes titles like “Going the Distance” and the critically acclaimed horror flick “Barbarian.” Beyond his acting, Long’s personal life has also drawn media attention, having been romantically linked to several prominent actresses, including Drew Barrymore, Amanda Seyfried, and Kate Mara. He is currently married to actress Kate Bosworth.
The Controversy Surrounding Justin Long
Despite the artistic merit and creative direction of Grande’s new music video, a significant portion of the online discourse has focused on Justin Long’s involvement, with some fans expressing their disapproval. This backlash is largely attributed to controversies surrounding Long that resurfaced on social media in 2023, leading to renewed scrutiny of his past associations and behaviour from the early 2000s.
A key point of contention involves allegations made by Alexa Nikolas, a former star of “Zoey 101.” Nikolas claimed that an incident involving actor Jonah Hill occurred at a party hosted at a home where Long was residing at the time. Nikolas subsequently raised concerns about the presence of minors at late-night adult gatherings. Through a spokesperson, Long stated he had no prior knowledge of the alleged incident, which reportedly took place nearly two decades prior, and expressed his sympathy for victims of abuse. Representatives for Jonah Hill have denied these allegations.
Simultaneously, a resurfaced episode from MTV’s “Punk’d” from 2006, featuring Long, has also drawn criticism. In the segment, presented as a prank, Long is seen interacting with teenage girls and seemingly encouraging them to misrepresent their ages to gain access to alcohol. While originally broadcast as a comedic bit, many viewers re-examining the footage through a contemporary lens have argued that it reflects a broader cultural environment where inappropriate interactions with young women were often normalised and downplayed.
This renewed public attention has continued to follow Long online. Comments beneath Grande’s music video have included sentiments such as, “Aren’t we not supposed to support Justin Long?” and expressions of disappointment like, “I hope that’s not Justin Long.”
Adding an ironic twist to the situation, one of Long’s most celebrated recent roles was in the 2022 horror film “Barbarian,” where he portrayed a character facing accusations of sexual misconduct. For some viewers, these resurfaced controversies have irrevocably altered their perception of both the actor and his work, explaining the confusion and unease surrounding his casting alongside Grande. Conversely, others have welcomed the unexpected pairing, celebrating the actor’s presence in the singer’s latest visually ambitious project.
