Cynthia Erivo is speaking out about the scrutiny surrounding her friendship with Ariana Grande, revealing how the pair’s emotional bond during the ‘Wicked‘ press tour became a talking point for all the wrong reasons.

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The Tony Award-winning star, who portrays Elphaba opposite Grande’s Glinda in the hit musical adaptation, addressed the online commentary during an interview with The Guardian while promoting her upcoming courtroom drama, ‘Prima Facie.’

Reflecting on the viral moments that emerged throughout the promotional campaign, Erivo questioned why the public appeared so fascinated by the duo’s closeness. She 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.” 

Noting how their hugs, tears and displays of affection prompted widespread speculation.

Erivo also addressed the backlash surrounding her response to an incident in Singapore, where she stepped in after a man grabbed Grande on the red carpet. She shared:

“I was like: ‘Oh, you think because I look like this that you could talk to me this way about something that was a human thing that I would have done for any friend and hopefully a friend would have done for me,’ but I must be a bodyguard.”

The ‘Harriet‘ actress attributed the reaction to misogyny and misogynoir, highlighting how her appearance influenced the way her actions were perceived.

Her comments come as Erivo continues her press run for ‘Prima Facie,’ which reaches UK and Irish cinemas on November 13, 2026.

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[Photo Credit: Universal Pictures]

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