Cynthia Erivo slams critics for scrutiny over friendship with Ariana Grande

Cynthia Erivo addressed the bizarre curiosity people has with her and co-star Ariana Grande close relationship.

The duo starred as Elphaba and Glinda in the Wicked franchise and has been close since the release of first part of the film in 2024.

The hyper-fixation and relentless analysis of their relationship began during the time they were doing press tours for Wicked part one. They seemed to be an inseparable and had a solid dynamic.

In an interview with the Stylist, the Defying Gravity hitmaker reflected on the widespread speculations that they are a couple.

She said, "At first, I think people didn't understand how it was possible for two women to be friends, close, and not lovers."

The British actress noted that that their friendship is assumed either performative or more than platonic.

The Harriet star said that people has a "strange fascination with the two of us," adding that many believe they were putting on a show for the camera or "that we were lovers."

The Tony Award winner theorised people putting them in places of their desire was may be due to the lack of conversation public have about "platonic female friendship that is deep and real," and the emotional intimacy between two women.

She went on to suggest that deeply connected relationships can sometimes unsettle people, noting that society doesn't always teach us to see the kind of closeness as something positive or healthy.

Following the release of Wicked: For Good and wrapping up the franchise, Erivo is now starring as all 23 characters in a production of Dracula on the West End stage in London.

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