Cynthia Erivo has spoken out about the ongoing rumours surrounding her bond with Ariana Grande, saying their connection is simply a close and platonic friendship.
The two starred together in Wicked, directed by John M. Chu, and their strong on-screen and off-screen chemistry quickly caught attention.
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But according to Erivo, the reaction surprised her.
“Why can’t two women be close?”
In an interview with The Stylist, the 39-year-old actress said people seemed unsure and unaware how two women could share a deep bond without it being romantic.
She said, “At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends—close—and not lovers. I’ve never really spoken about this, but there was this strange fascination with the two of us, where people either thought we were putting it on for the cameras or that we were lovers.”
She explained that some even questioned whether their friendship was real or just for publicity. Erivo said there isn’t enough open conversation about strong, platonic female friendships.
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“And I think it’s because there’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, even though it exists everywhere.”
Because of that, when people see it publicly, it can make them uncomfortable. She added that such relationships exist everywhere, but they aren’t often shown openly on camera.
“We’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people. A relationship where people are connected sometimes just makes people uncomfortable; we aren’t taught that those relationships are good for us.”
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Director praises their chemistry
Director John M. Chu also spoke about their connection during an appearance on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast.
He shared that when Erivo auditioned, her performance was powerful from the start. And when Grande stepped into the role of Glinda, he felt certain about the casting.
He said, “When Cynthia walks in and sings, you feel it in your bones. And when Ari sat there and became Glinda, there was no question. I knew what everyone is seeing now – I got to see it on day four.”
The film adapts the first act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel inspired by L. Frank Baum’s classic story.
Inside the World of Wicked
Set before the events of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the story follows Elphaba Thropp, played by Erivo, and Galinda, later known as Glinda played by Grande.
The film also features Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
At its heart, Wicked explores how two very different women form a meaningful connection long before their lives take separate paths.
For Erivo, that bond is simple. It’s real. And it’s friendship.