Ariana Grande has stepped away from American Horror Story Season 13, but the door may not be closed for good. Her exit prompted a response from series co-creator Ryan Murphy, who has now explained what happened behind the scenes. The scheduling clash changed plans for the upcoming season. Still, Murphy’s latest comments suggest Grande remains firmly in his creative orbit.
Ryan Murphy says he has ‘love’ and ‘support’ for Ariana Grande
Murphy addressed Grande’s departure in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Aug. 6. He said the singer had warned him early on that her Eternal Sunshine Tour could make filming difficult.
Murphy explained that Grande liked the idea he brought her, but she was unsure whether she could balance the role with touring. Once the timing became impossible, he offered to move the concept to another season.
“I will always work with her. I love her, and I support her,” Murphy said. He added that he “might bring that back for another season,” depending on Grande’s availability.
Page Six highlighted Murphy’s comments one day later as questions continued over Grande’s departure. Her exit had been confirmed in July, with scheduling conflicts tied to the Eternal Sunshine Tour cited as the reason.
Grande had originally been announced as part of the Season 13 ensemble on Halloween 2025. The casting would have reunited her with Murphy more than a decade after she played Chanel #2 on Scream Queens.
Before leaving the project, Grande had been expected to join a stacked returning cast that includes Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman and Jessica Lange. Lange’s return had already sparked major fan excitement when the lineup was revealed.
Murphy has since said Season 13 will pull from multiple eras of American Horror Story rather than function as a direct Coven sequel. He also confirmed that several returning actors will play more than one role.
Grande’s withdrawal comes during an especially busy stretch in her career. She had previously been focused on balancing touring with an expanding acting slate.
Murphy’s response makes clear that he is not treating the missed appearance as a falling-out. Grande may not be part of AHS Season 13, but he appears ready to revisit their collaboration when her schedule allows.
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