Ariana Grande has released the music video for her latest single, Hate That I Made You Love Me, a visually striking and eerie piece that draws heavily from horror themes. The video features an unexpected co-star: Justin Long. While the cinematic production has been praised for its ambitious storytelling, it has also sparked mixed reactions online, particularly regarding Long’s involvement.
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Directed by Grande’s longtime collaborator Christian Breslauer, who also directed her 2025 short film Brighter Days Ahead, the video leans into psychological thriller territory. Cinematography duties were handled by Janusz Kamiński, known for his work with Steven Spielberg. The visual opens with Long burying Grande in an underground bunker filled with stacks of black-and-white notebooks labeled with her various “insecurities.” From there, the video unfolds as a darkly surreal exploration of memory, self-perception, and emotional baggage, with Grande embracing the theatrical storytelling that has become a hallmark of her recent work.
The release of Hate That I Made You Love Me marks the start of a new chapter for the singer ahead of her upcoming eighth studio album, Petal, set for release on July 31.
Who Is Justin Long?
Justin Long first gained recognition in the late ’90s and early 2000s for his roles in cult films such as Galaxy Quest, Jeepers Creepers, and DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story. Many millennials also remember him as Apple’s friendly “Mac Guy” in the brand’s iconic advertising campaign opposite John Hodgman.
Over the years, Long has built a career spanning comedy, horror, and romance, appearing in films like Going the Distance and the critically acclaimed horror movie Barbarian. He has also attracted attention for his personal life, having been linked to high-profile actresses such as Drew Barrymore, Amanda Seyfried, and Kate Mara. Currently, he is married to actress Kate Bosworth.
What Is The Controversy Surrounding Justin Long?
Despite his successful career, some fans have expressed disappointment over Long’s appearance in Ariana Grande’s latest music video. The backlash stems from controversies that resurfaced online in 2023, prompting renewed scrutiny of his past associations and behavior during the early 2000s.
One notable point of contention was an allegation made by former Zoey 101 actress Alexa Nikolas, who claimed that an incident involving actor Jonah Hill occurred at a party hosted at a home where Long was living at the time. Nikolas questioned why minors were present at late-night adult gatherings. Long, through a spokesperson, stated he had no knowledge of the alleged incident, which would have taken place nearly two decades earlier, while expressing sympathy for victims of abuse. Hill’s legal representatives denied the allegations.
At the same time, a 2006 episode of MTV’s Punk’d featuring Long resurfaced on social media. In the segment, which was framed as a prank, Long is seen interacting with teenage girls and encouraging them to lie about their ages to gain access to alcohol. While the episode originally aired as comedy, many viewers revisiting the footage through a modern lens argued it reflected a broader culture in which inappropriate behavior around young women was normalized and often dismissed.
The renewed attention has continued to follow Long online. Comments under Grande’s new music video include statements like, “Aren’t we not supposed to support Justin Long?” and “I hope that’s not Justin Long.”
Adding another layer to the conversation is the irony that one of Long’s most acclaimed recent roles was in the 2022 horror film Barbarian, in which he played a disgraced actor facing allegations of sexual misconduct. For some viewers, the resurfaced controversies have complicated their perception of both the actor and his work, helping explain why his casting alongside Grande has prompted confusion online. Others, however, have embraced the unexpected pairing, celebrating the actor’s appearance in the singer’s latest cinematic visual.
Watch Hate That I Made You Love Me
