During a fan event, Peterson remarked that one of her worst celebrity experiences involved someone whose name "rhymes with Pariana Mande."

According to a viral video that Peterson shared on Instagram, the incident occurred when Grande requested 21 tickets and brought along 20 guests. The tale took a sour turn when, after Peterson generously took photos with each of Grande's friends and signed autographs for them, she asked Grande for a picture together. Shockingly, Grande declined, stating, "No, I don't really do that." To add insult to injury, Grande left before Peterson's show began, leaving her entourage behind.

The audience at the fan event were visibly displeased, voicing their disapproval with a chorus of boos. Peterson, ever the seasoned performer, humorously quipped about the situation. The incident intensified when someone sharing the stage mused, "She's playing the wrong witch," referencing Grande's upcoming role as Glinda the Good Witch in the film adaptation of "Wicked."

Despite the awkward encounter, neither Grande's nor Peterson’s representatives have commented on the matter. Nonetheless, Grande made an attempt to make amends by apologizing to Peterson via an Instagram comment.

Cassandra Peterson has long been associated with Southern California’s Halloween festivities, having first presented her show "Elvira Mistress of the Dark" at Knott's Berry Farm in 1982. The show ran until 2001, with Peterson returning in 2013 with "Elvira's Sinema Seance," which concluded in 2017. This year, Peterson made three special appearances at Knott's to reflect on her extensive influence in the horror genre and her longstanding connection to the park.