In a recent interview, “Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo discussed her friendship with co-star Ariana Grande, finally smashing rumours that the two have been in a romantic relationship.
The “Wicked” press tour has produced a gold mine of memes and memorable pop culture moments for fans of the film and actors.
However, the second installment of the press tour accompanying the “Wicked: For Good” film produced a flurry of rumours about the two co-stars’ relationship, with fans calling them codependent and wondering whether they were more than just friends.
The actors, who play Glinda and Elphaba, were seen constantly holding hands, touching, or embracing each other during the movie’s press tour.
Cynthia’s response
Speaking with Stylist Magazine, Erivo finally spoke up about the rumours, confirming that her and Grande’s relationship is platonic.
“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends – close – and not lovers,” she said.
“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.”
The speculation also did not match reality as Erivo identifies as queer and has been romantically involved with her partner Lena Waithe since 2020.
Grande, on the other hand, has been in a relationship with “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater since 2023.
“And I think it’s because there’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real.
“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,” she added.
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Ariana and Cynthia’s friendship
Grande has expressed her fondness for physical touch in previous interviews related to the “Wicked” press tour, highlighting the emotional intensity that arose during the filming process and Erivo’s ability to be there for her in emotional moments.
“Ari needs contact when there’s emotion,” Erivo stated in an interview.
“She needs to be close, so I just be there with her for a second,” she added, expressing how their vulnerability was not romantic, but an expression of deep friendship.
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