John Nacion/Variety
Cynthia Erivo is well aware of the intense online scrutiny surrounding her bond with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. In a candid cover story for Variety, the Tony winner addressed the public’s obsession with their relationship.
Reflecting on the extensive promotional cycle for the Wicked films, Erivo expressed bewilderment at the rumors that dominated social media. “It’s fascinating to observe the gap between public perception and our actual reality,” she noted. “It felt like amateur psychologists were constantly analyzing our every move and dissecting our friendship from afar.”
“There was a persistent narrative that we weren’t actually close,” Erivo explained, clarifying that the pair remains in daily contact. “But that stems from a lack of understanding about who I am. Loyalty is a core part of my character—if I consider you a friend, that bond is genuine.”
The public speculation ranged from unfounded rumors about their chemistry to critiques of their professional dynamic. However, the discourse often turned darker, with many users focusing on the physical appearances of both women. Following an incident at the Singapore premiere where Erivo stepped in to protect Grande from an aggressive fan, the vitriol intensified.
“We have yet to confront the systemic bias against Black women,” Erivo told Variety. “The ridicule wasn’t just about my actions; it was directed at my physical appearance—my stature, my shaved head. People projected a narrative where I had to be the ‘protector’ because they viewed me as the more dominant presence, which is an assumption that wouldn’t have been made if the roles were reversed.”
She admitted that the backlash, coupled with the dehumanizing nature of the commentary, left her feeling alienated. It even clouded her perspective on awards season for the second film. “I felt my humanity was being stripped away,” she said. “Everything I did out of instinct was misinterpreted, and I simply didn’t want to participate in a cycle that felt so profoundly unfair.”
Looking ahead, both artists have shifted their focus to new creative endeavors. While Grande prepares for the release of her latest single, “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” Erivo is channeling her energy into her lead role in the West End production of Dracula.
