Cynthia Erivo has addressed online speculation about her friendship with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. The actress questioned why their friendship became such a major talking point during the films’ promotional campaigns.
Speaking with The Guardian about the film adaptation of Prima Facie, Erivo was asked whether her friendship with Grande was genuine or simply for show. “It was interesting that there were many people who had become psychologists from their couches,” the English actress said.
“There was this weird sort of, what’s the word I’m looking for … annoyance … at the fact that two women could actually be friends. Like, why are they friends? Why are they connected? There must be something wrong with them,” she added.
Erivo also questioned why people criticized their emotional displays, including crying and laughing together. The 39-year-old described the scrutiny as a “double-edged sword,” noting that people likely would have criticized them for showing too little emotion as well.
Cynthia Erivo on the backlash over protecting Ariana Grande
The scrutiny also drew attention after a security breach at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good. Australian event crasher Johnson Wen jumped over the barricade and rushed toward Grande, putting his arm around her as he attempted to take a photo. Erivo intervened, pushing Wen away from her co-star.
Recalling the incident, Erivo said, “No one else was moving. We were on a carpet. We were exposed. My immediate response was: ‘Get this man away from us now.'”
While some praised her actions, others labeled her Grande’s “bodyguard,” a characterization that made her uncomfortable. Erivo also linked the backlash to misogyny and misogynoir, a term describing anti-Black misogyny. A journalist on another red carpet later asked if she was a “protector,” a question that still bothers her. The Emmy-nominated actress explained she would have done the same for any friend.
Prima Facie, starring Erivo, is scheduled to open in UK cinemas on November 13, 2026. A US theatrical release date has not yet been announced.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.net.
