Ryan Murphy Just Broke His Silence On Ariana Grande's AHS Exit — And He's Leaving The Door WIDE Open

Don't panic, Scream Queens stans — Ryan Murphy and Ariana Grande are still very much on good terms, even after the pop star had to bail on American Horror Story Season 13.

In fact, Murphy just opened up about the whole situation, and honestly? It's the most drama-free celebrity exit we've seen in a WHILE.

The Tea ☕

• Ariana Grande was supposed to appear in AHS Season 13, but had to drop out due to her "Eternal Sunshine" tour schedule
• Ryan Murphy says there are zero hard feelings and they're already talking about future seasons
• The role Murphy had in mind was a "very big swing" that he might bring back when Ari's available
• Grande is stepping back from public life after her tour ends in September

"Who Is Busier Than Ariana Grande? No One."

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published August 6, Murphy revealed exactly how the conversation went down.

"I love Ariana Grande. We're great friends," the Glee creator explained, according to Page Six. "I had an idea and I came to her and she, very immediately, said, 'I'm not sure because I think I'm going on tour.'"

The timing just wasn't right. Grande had just wrapped filming Wicked and was gearing up for her massive tour supporting her eighth studio album, "Petal."

When Murphy reached out to confirm, E! Online reports that Ari told him: "I don't know how I'm going to juggle the tour with this."

His response? "OK, if you can't, we can push to another season."

And that was that. No drama, no shade, no cryptic Instagram stories. Just two professionals working it out like adults. (Yes, really.)

Murphy Is Already Planning Their Reunion

Here's the really juicy bit: Murphy isn't letting go of whatever he had planned for Ariana.

"It was a very big swing, but I might bring that back for another season, per Ariana's availability," he teased. "I think the world of her."

The director was clearly excited about whatever role he'd cooked up for the 33-year-old singer, calling it something major that could potentially be saved for when her schedule clears up.

And honestly? We are READY to see what kind of horror chaos Murphy and Grande could create together.

The Scream Queens Love Fest Continues

If you're wondering why Murphy is being so chill about all this, just remember: these two have history.

Grande starred in Murphy's campy horror-comedy Scream Queens back in 2015, playing Chanel #2 (RIP, we'll never forget that texting-from-beyond-the-grave scene).

"Ariana is a big fan of horror," Murphy gushed, according to Page Six. "She's obviously done homages of that in her work; she did Scream Queens for me and loved the experience, and people love her in that show."

He added: "So I will always work with her."

Excuse us while we ugly-cry into our thank u, next vinyl. 😭

Ari's Taking A Much-Needed Break

The AHS exit isn't the only thing Grande is stepping back from right now.

Her rep announced last week that the singer will be "taking a step back from visibility" after her "Eternal Sunshine" tour wraps on September 1, per Page Six.

The decision comes after mounting public scrutiny over her weight, particularly following the release of her blood-soaked "Petal" music video (which, let's be honest, was a SERVE).

During her Chicago concert on August 3, Grande addressed the break herself, saying it was "not a reactive or impulsive thing" but something she'd "quietly made a long time ago," according to E! Online.

"Boundaries can need to be set. Human beings can need a break sometimes," she told the crowd.

And you know what? We stan a queen who knows when to step back and prioritize her wellbeing. She also pulled out of a planned West End debut next summer.

The Internet Is Here For It

Look, in an industry where "scheduling conflicts" is usually code for "we actually hate each other," this level of mutual respect and support is REFRESHING.

Murphy's genuine enthusiasm for working with Grande again whenever the timing works? Chef's kiss. The fact that he's holding onto the role he created specifically for her? Even better.

Plus, the idea of Ariana eventually returning to the AHS universe has fans already speculating about which season would be perfect for her scream queen comeback.

So while we won't be seeing Ari haunt our screens in Season 13, at least we know this is just a "see you later" situation, not a goodbye.

Are you devastated about Ariana's AHS exit, or are you just excited she's taking time for herself? And what kind of horror role do you think Murphy cooked up for her? Sound off below! 👇

Sources:

• Page Six
• E! Online