If Ariana Grande wants to move and dress a little sexier these days, it’s her prerogative. The “Love Me Harder” singer is hitting back at Bette Midler for calling her a whore and slamming her provocative performance moves. 

Midler started the rift by stating in an interview that Grande had a “silly high voice” that didn’t quite match up with the former Nickelodeon star “slithering on a couch,” and bringing out more of her sexuality.

"But it’s not my business, I’m not her mother. Or her manager. Maybe they tell them that’s what you’ve got to do. Sex sells. Sex has always sold,” Midler said adding, "Trust your talent. You don't have to make a whore out of yourself to get ahead."

Privately, Grande was said to be hurt by Midler’s words. Publicly, the 21-year-old took the high road. “Bette was always a feminist who stood for women being able to do whatever the F they wanted without judgement [sic]! Not sure where that Bette went but I want that sexy mermaid back!!! always a fan no matter what my love,” Grande tweeted this afternoon. 

Midler hasn’t reacted yet so maybe this beef is done before it had time to really start cooking.

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(Photos from left: Ian Gavan/Getty Images,Theo Wargo/NBC/Getty Images)