Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s friendship has been a talking point ever since the two stars worked together on Wicked. But while fans enjoyed their emotional moments and close bond during the film’s promotional tour, not everyone was equally impressed.
Cynthia Erivo Addressing the Criticism
In a recent interview with The Guardian, the actress spoke about the unusual attention surrounding her friendship with Grande. She said there was a strange sense of annoyance among some people that two women could actually be such close friends.
Erivo also questioned why their hugs, tears and emotional moments became subjects of public scrutiny. According to her, people seemed determined to analyze their relationship rather than simply accept that they shared a genuine friendship.
The actress also recalled the 2025 Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore, where she stepped in after a man rushed toward Grande on the red carpet. Her protective reaction led some people to call her the singer’s bodyguard, a description Erivo found uncomfortable.
Erivo said the reaction was especially troubling because it turned an instinctive act of protecting a friend into something people mocked or questioned. She also described the commentary as reflecting misogyny and misogynoir, arguing that her appearance and identity influenced how some people interpreted her actions.
She explained that she was simply protecting a friend, something she believes anyone would naturally do.
FAQs
1. Are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo still friends?
Yes. The two actresses have continued to express their support for each other following their work together on Wicked.
2. Why is Cynthia Erivo addressing criticism of her friendship with Ariana Grande?
Erivo recently discussed how people questioned the actresses’ close bond and scrutinized their emotional interactions during the Wicked promotional tours.
3. How did Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo become friends?
The actresses developed a close friendship while playing Glinda and Elphaba in the Wicked film adaptations.
A Friendship That Goes Beyond Wicked
Erivo and Grande played Elphaba and Glinda in the two Wicked films, and their connection became one of the most talked-about parts of the promotional campaign. Their affectionate interactions, emotional interviews and viral moments often attracted as much attention as the movies themselves.
However, Erivo’s latest comments make one thing clear. She does not believe their friendship needs to be explained or defended simply because it is visible to the public. For the two stars, it appears that being genuine friends should not be a controversy.
