Morgan went after Little Mix on Twitter yesterday (November 20), accusing them of ripping off the Dixie Chicks' iconic Entertainment Weekly cover (that followed the backlash to their criticism of George W. Bush in 2003).
The U.K. group's fans leapt at him immediately, but Grande's mother Joan also weighed in on the unnecessary criticism, pointing out that it's possible to pay homage to something without plagiarizing.
Honestly what is wrong with you @piersmorgan ? Didn't your mother ever teach you, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it! You came for @TheEllenShow yesterday which was disgraceful, she is an angel. @LittleMix today, did you ever hear of paying homage? And..well never mind https://t.co/5WBOlL8t6O
— Joan Grande (@joangrande) November 21, 2018
Morgan countered that he was raised to "speak my mind & never be afraid to express honestly held opinion," then suggested that Little Mix "use their talent to sell records rather than their nudity."
He didn't stop there, though, adding: "As your own daughter does…!"
Joan replied, reducing Morgan's argument to "trash talk for the sake of denigrating women doing their jobs" and called it "at best misogynistic and at worst undignified and ignorant."
Have her call me... it's not about being afraid, that's a cop out; and we all know in America that everyone has the right to speak their minds, but trash talk for the sake of denigrating women doing their jobs is at best misogynistic and at worst undignified and ignorant!
— Joan Grande (@joangrande) November 21, 2018
Then her famous daughter (and her stans) came in to back mom up. She defended women's right to be "sexual AND talented" or "naked and dignified," before shutting him down with a "thank u, next."
Ellen is an incredible & kind human being.. I use my talent AND my sexuality all the time because i choose to. women can be sexual AND talented. naked and dignified. it's OUR choice. 🖤 & we will keep fighting til people understand. i say this w all due respect but thank u, next. https://t.co/wSknRSlJN8
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
She went on to direct some extra support at the ladies in Little Mix.
keep fighting the fight divas @LittleMix 🖤 your sisters have your back
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
also @piersmorgan, i look forward to the day you realize there are other ways to go about making yourself relevant than to criticize young, beautiful, successful women for everything they do. i think that'll be a beautiful thing for you and your career or what's left of it. 🖤
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
The Twitter war kept raging when Grande pointed out Morgan's hypocrisy, having posed nude for an advertisement.
when u do it it's ok tho right? https://t.co/FJyF24ZlYx
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
nah and it ain't ur girls' either i can promise u that
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
probably not but i am
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
anyway
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
what else is new
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
thank u fuckin next
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) November 21, 2018
That didn't stop Morgan from yelling into the internet void, though.
Since I've got your attention @ArianaGrande - want to come on @GMB on Monday to settle this like mano-to-womano?
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 21, 2018
We can bring our mothers too, if you like.
Thanks @ArianaGrande ! 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/jHKi0gX2WJ
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 21, 2018
Why's it 'misogynistic' to suggest female pop stars with millions of young fans shouldn't use nudity to sell records?
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 21, 2018
Most women I've spoken to you about this agree with me - especially mothers of young girls. https://t.co/OM7qr1BL2Y