Leighton Meester Addresses Viral Exchange with Ariana Grande at Critics Choice Awards 2026, Explains What Really Happened

Leighton Meester is clearing the air on her viral exchange with Ariana Grande at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.

On the red carpet at the event last month, the two ladies crossed paths and Ariana could be heard saying, “Love you so much. Wow, wow wow” to Leighton as she walked in the opposite direction.

The camera then panned to Leighton, who repeated Ariana‘s “Wow, wow, wow” and then laughed.

After some fans thought that Leighton was mocking Ariana, the Gossip Girl actress is now explaining what really happened.