Leighton Meester is clearing the air about her viral exchange with Ariana Grande at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. Meester, 39, faced backlash after the January 4 awards show as fans thought the Gossip Girl alum mocked Grande, 32, when the pop star greeted Meester in passing on the red carpet. "I love you so much. Wow, wow, wow," Grande shouted as she walked by Meester, as seen in a video shared by E! News at the time. Meester smiled and responded, "Wah, wah, wah," which many people interpreted as her making fun of Grande.