Cynthia Erivo has responded to months of online speculation suggesting she and her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande were romantically involved.
During the film’s promotional tour for Wicked, fans closely scrutinised the pair’s emotional interviews, warm embraces and frequent hand-holding, with some social media users interpreting their closeness as more than friendship.
In a recent interview, Cynthia Erivo described the reaction as a “strange fascination,” saying some observers seemed unwilling to accept that two women could share a deep, affectionate bond without it being viewed through a romantic lens. She clarified that there was no secret relationship, explaining that their connection grew naturally while portraying Elphaba and Glinda on screen.
The rumours gained further traction amid attention on Grande’s personal life. The singer has been publicly linked to fellow Wicked cast member Ethan Slater since production began.
Cynthia Erivo, meanwhile, generally keeps her private life out of the spotlight but has been in a long-term relationship with actress and producer Lena Waithe.
Her remarks appear intended to dispel the speculation, emphasising that their bond is a close friendship that became magnified and over-analysed during a highly visible, social media-driven press tour.
