Cynthia Erivo weighs in on 'Wicked' Ariana Grande drama

Cynthia Erivo reflected on scrutiny during Wicked era with Ariana Grande.

In a recent interview, the Oscar-nominated actress pushed back against online assumptions surrounding her bond with the songstress, saying, “I think that people didn’t really believe that we were actually friends.”

She told Variety, “If I’m a friend, then I’m a friend. If I’m not, then I’m not,” noting that the pair still text “almost every day.”

The actress also reflected on the Singapore premiere incident, where she stepped in after a fan rushed toward the pop icon.

Recalling the moment, the Broadway star said, “Nobody moved. Nobody moved,” adding that her immediate instinct was to protect her co-star because “he wouldn’t let go.”

While many praised her actions, she stated that the reaction online took a different turn, with some portraying her as the multi platinum singer's “bodyguard.”

She argued that the narrative was shaped by perceptions of Black women, saying, “I think that we haven’t really come to terms with the insidious nature of how we view Black women.”

Looking back, Erivo admitted the fallout affected her approach to awards season.

“I think maybe in a way it did, actually,” she said when asked whether the incident impacted her Oscar campaign, adding, “I just felt like my humanity had been bastardized.”

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