Model and media personality Amber Rose criticized singer Ariana Grande after Grande promoted a nationwide protest urging Americans to skip work, school and shopping in opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Grande shared an Instagram Story encouraging participation in what organizers described as a “nationwide shutdown” scheduled for Jan. 30, calling on people to halt economic activity as a form of protest against federal immigration enforcement.
“ICE out! Nationwide shutdown! No work. No school. No shopping,” the post read.
The message quickly drew debate online, particularly over whether calls for mass work stoppages disproportionately affect people who rely on hourly wages or lack job protections.
During a livestream conversation on Thursday with social media personality Sneako, Rose criticized Grande’s message as disconnected from the realities faced by working families. She argued that wealthy celebrities should not urge others to risk missing paychecks without offering financial support.
Rose said that asking people to stay home from work or stop purchasing necessities can place undue strain on households living paycheck to paycheck, adding that she believes such appeals come from a position of financial privilege.
Neither Rose nor Grande has publicly responded further to the criticism.
Rose also addressed the broader role of celebrities in political activism, including a recent controversy involving rapper Nicki Minaj and President Donald Trump. Rose said she has known Minaj for many years and introduced her to Trump, noting that Minaj has contributed financially to initiatives supporting young women.
She defended Minaj against criticism over her political associations, arguing that philanthropic actions should be considered separately from political views.
In the same livestream, Rose expressed concern about escalating tensions between protesters and federal law enforcement. She warned that confrontations involving physical violence could lead to serious harm, emphasizing that federal agents remain protected under the law regardless of public opposition to their work.
Her comments come amid ongoing protests across the U.S. following recent fatal encounters between federal immigration agents and civilians in Minneapolis. Earlier this month, Renee Nicole Good, 37, was killed during an encounter with an ICE officer. Another individual, Alex Pretti, was fatally shot by federal agents later in January.
The deaths have sparked widespread demonstrations and renewed debate over immigration enforcement tactics, accountability, and the role of public protest.