Cynthia Erivo addresses criticism of her friendship with ‘Wicked’ co-star Ariana Grande
Their emotional connection during the ‘Wicked’ promotional tour prompted questions about why two women were so close
Cynthia Erivo has spoken about the public scrutiny surrounding her friendship with Ariana Grande, saying their emotional connection during the Wicked promotional tour prompted questions about why two women were so close.
In an interview with The Guardian published on October 27, Erivo reflected on the online reaction to her relationship with Grande, her co-star in Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the hit musical.
Erivo plays Elphaba, while Grande portrays Glinda.
“It was interesting that there were many people who had become psychologists from their couches,” Erivo said. She added that some people appeared annoyed by the pair’s friendship, questioning why they were so connected.
The actresses attracted widespread attention during the promotional campaign for Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good.
Their public appearances featured emotional embraces, tears and a moment of pinching each other’s fingers that became widely discussed online.
“Why are they showing emotion? How dare they cry? And how dare they laugh? And how dare they be emotive and alive?” Erivo asked.
She described the scrutiny as a “double-edged sword”, arguing that the pair might also have faced criticism had they shown less emotion.
Erivo also addressed the reaction to an incident in Singapore, where she intervened after a man grabbed Grande on the red carpet.
Some online commentators subsequently described her as Grande’s “bodyguard”, a label she challenged.
Erivo said her response was a natural reaction to protecting a friend, adding that she hoped others would do the same for her.
Her comments come as she promotes her upcoming courtroom drama, Prima Facie.
