Cynthia Erivo says people doubted her real friendship with Ariana Grande during Wicked press tour

Cynthia Erivo cleared up that her friendship with Ariana Grande is real and shut down the rumors people have been spreading about them. Variety reported that their bond is not fake or part of a marketing strategy. The two stars faced heavy attention during the promotion of Wicked and Wicked: For Good at Singapore's Universal Studios.

Fans on social media closely watched their emotional interviews, their closeness, and their public affection throughout the movie campaigns. Cynthia opened up about how many people refused to believe that they could share such a close friendship without a hidden reason.

Erivo also spoke out against people online who acted like they knew everything. She said that people sit idle in their homes and make up stories about who they are, what they faced, what they did, and why.

Continue reading more about the story.

Cynthia Erivo was hurt after being labeled Ariana's bodyguard

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in Wicked (Image via Netflix)

Fans and social media users started calling Cynthia Erivo Ariana's bodyguard after a clip of her protecting Ariana from a prankster went viral on the internet. The prankster's name is Johnson Wen.

The clip showed Wen rushing toward Grande after jumping a barrier at Universal Studios Singapore, and Erivo quickly stepped in front of her until security arrived. Erivo said that both of them were terrified and recalled that no one around them came to help. So, she stepped in herself and shouted,

"Get him away! Get him out of here!"

The incident spread online through jokes and memes. Later, Erivo said that labeling her as Grande's bodyguard was hurtful. She explained that people focused on her bald look, physique, and size and compared them with Grande's. Consequently, people made unfair assumptions about her natural protective nature.

The 'bodyguard' label put on Cynthia Erivo was more than just a joke. The incident showed how harmful stereotypes still shape the way society views Black women.

Friendship tested in Wicked's shadow

Wicked (2024) made $765 million worldwide and won two Oscars. The sequel performed less successfully, earning $541 million and receiving no Oscar nominations. Variety reported that Cynthia Erivo was hurt by how people reacted to the red-carpet incident. She openly expressed her feelings:

"I just felt like my humanity had been bastardized......."

Cynthia plays Elphaba, an intelligent and misunderstood woman who is born with bright green skin and eventually transforms into the infamous "Wicked Witch of the West." Ariana stars as Galinda Upland, a charismatic young woman who later becomes "Glinda the Good."

The film describes both characters as opposites and rivals. Viewers saw that Elphaba and Galinda ultimately formed a life-changing friendship despite their drastic behavioral differences.

Their relationship is pushed to the limit by outside societal forces and political corruption. However, these pressures create conflict and tension and force Elphaba and Galinda to face challenges that test their trust and commitment.