Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, has reignited a year-old feud with Ariana Grande, expressing hope that the pop superstar will grow “more humble” following what Peterson described as a “very offensive” interaction and an insincere apology. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly while promoting her new cookbook, Elvira’s Cookbook From Hell, the 74-year-old horror icon stood by her account of the encounter, which occurred about seven years ago, and dismissed Grande’s response as lacking genuine remorse. The spat, which first surfaced publicly in October 2024 during a Q&A at Knott’s Scary Farm, highlights ongoing perceptions of Grande’s “diva” behavior amid her high-profile role in the Wicked film franchise.

The controversy traces back to an event where Grande, then an emerging star, reportedly requested 21 complimentary tickets for herself, friends, and family to one of Peterson’s Elvira shows. Backstage, Peterson recounted posing for photos and signing autographs for all 20 guests but claimed Grande refused a reciprocal picture, saying, “No, I don’t really do that,” before leaving before the performance even began—while her entourage stayed. Peterson shared the story during the Knott’s event, eliciting boos from the audience and a quip from the moderator that Grande was “playing the wrong witch,” referencing her role as the kind-hearted Glinda in Wicked. Video of the moment went viral on TikTok and YouTube, sparking divided fan reactions, with some labeling Grande rude and others defending her amid past traumas.

Grande quickly responded in October 2024 via an Instagram comment on Peterson’s post sharing an article about the incident. “I’m so disheartened to see this. I actually don’t even remember getting the chance to meet you because I had an anxiety attack and to my memory, left before the rest of my family (this was around 7 years ago and at the time I was really not great with being in public crowds or loud places)… but if I’m misremembering this moment, I sincerely apologize for offending you so,” she wrote, attributing the episode to PTSD from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at one of her concerts, which killed 22 people. She added a lighthearted note about her mother, who had praised Peterson’s kindness but might feel differently now, ending with “Sending love always. You’ll always be our queen of Halloween!” Peterson “liked” the comment but did not reply publicly at the time.

Fast-forward to October 2025, and Peterson remains unmoved. “I told a story that really happened. She did it. I wasn’t making it up. It was very offensive,” she told EW, describing Grande’s apology as insincere—like a backhanded “Thank you, not really, thank you.” She confirmed no further contact with Grande and expressed pity rather than anger: “It’s sad… All the celebrities who I had ever come to my show… were always gracious and kind, and, um, she was not.” Peterson, a show business veteran, philosophized that fame teaches humility over time: “If you last in show business for any amount of time and are still famous—you do learn a lot of lessons along the way, and you get a little more humble. So hopefully that will happen with her.”

Peterson’s career as Elvira spans decades, from hosting Elvira’s Movie Macabre in the 1980s to films like Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) and guest spots on shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. At 74, she’s promoting her cookbook with spooky recipes, maintaining her campy, candid persona that often spills into celebrity anecdotes. She’s no stranger to calling out diva antics, previously sharing stories of ungrateful stars, though Grande’s stands out as particularly disappointing.

Grande, 32, has faced “diva” accusations throughout her career, from demanding behaviors on sets to high-maintenance rider requests, often amplified by her rapid rise from Nickelodeon (Victorious, Sam & Cat) to pop dominance with hits like “Thank U, Next” and Positions. The Manchester bombing left lasting scars, including PTSD, which she has discussed openly, influencing her aversion to crowds and public interactions in the years following. Fans defended her apology, noting the timing aligned with her post-trauma period, while critics saw the comment’s tone—joking about her mom’s changed opinion—as passive-aggressive, reinforcing Elvira’s view. Social media erupted, with X posts from outlets like Billboard and Fox News amplifying the story, and users debating generational clashes in Hollywood.

The incident coincides with Grande’s Wicked press tour, where she’s promoted as Glinda alongside Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, facing separate controversies like fan-edited posters and co-star dynamics. Peterson’s timing, tied to her cookbook promo, drew accusations of clout-chasing from Grande’s supporters, who pointed to Elvira’s Instagram posts as opportunistic. Yet, Peterson insists the tale is factual, verified by her former show director. No lawsuit or further escalation has occurred, but the exchange underscores tensions between veteran icons and younger stars, where perceived slights linger in an industry built on appearances.

Public opinion remains split. Grande’s Arianators argue the story was exaggerated for attention, especially given Elvira’s history of viral anecdotes, while others side with Peterson, viewing Grande’s refusal as emblematic of entitlement. X threads and Reddit discussions dissected the apology’s sincerity, with some calling it a “teachable moment” for humility in fame. As Wicked: For Good looms, this mini-feud adds a layer of irony to Grande’s “good witch” image, while Peterson continues her spooky legacy unfazed.

Ultimately, the dust-up reflects broader Hollywood dynamics: the clash of eras, mental health struggles post-trauma, and the permanence of social media grudges. Peterson’s wish for Grande’s growth suggests no deep malice, but the “offensive” label sticks, fueling debates on celebrity accountability. With no reconciliation in sight, it serves as a cautionary tale—backstage encounters can haunt longer than any horror flick.