Teens Post Doughnut-Licking Selfies in Solidarity With Ariana Grande

Who among us can stand by when one of our most cherished heroes has been wrongfully maligned? Not Ariana Grande’s young fans, that’s for certain. Because now they’re taking pictures of themselves licking doughnut emojis and, in some cases, actual doughnuts to post on the Instagram account @Lick_Donuts_With_Ari.

Man, isn’t solidarity inspirational? Look at this gal rocking sweet glittery shades and a chocolate sprinkle. She only asks that we #stophating.

And this girl? She’s ride or die.

In case you’ve been consciously avoiding Doughnutgate until now, let me catch you up to speed. Singer and probable alien from the planet of Candy Land Ariana Grande licked some doughnuts at Wolfee Donuts in Lake Elsinore, California. And when an employee emerged with a tray filled with said pastry, she remarked, “What the fuck is that? I hate Americans. I hate America.”

So now, of course, Grande is banned from the doughnut shop, which I’m sure concerns her immensely. She might be slightly—but only slightly—more concerned that store owner Joe Marin had planned to press charges, but changed his mind.

Grande has apologized for her remarks, emphasizing her deep patriotism and investment in America’s diet. “We need to do more to educate ourselves and our children about the dangers of overeating and the poison that we put into our bodies,” she said.

This is all so dumb. In fact, the only good to come of the fiasco is the evidence of pure-hearted fan love generating all these goddamn doughnut selfies.

I mean, check out this dude. He’s breaking down gender stereotypes, and all because Ariana Grande sparked his activist spirit.

Oh, and don’t worry, Ariana. In most cases, the doughnuts aren’t real. (Shoot me.)