Cynthia Erivo sets the record straight on friendship rumors with Ariana Grande

Cynthia Erivo has responded to the rumors suggesting a romantic connection with Ariana Grande, insisting their bond is purely platonic.

The 39-year-old actress, who stars as Elphaba alongside Grande’s Glinda in the two-part big-screen adaptation of Wicked, told The Stylist that speculation about their relationship stemmed from the depth of their friendship both on and off set.

“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends close and not lovers,” Erivo explained. 

“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 added that the rumors highlight a broader issue with how society perceives female friendships, “I think it’s because there’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, even though it exists everywhere. We aren’t 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.”

Director John M. Chu praised the pair’s undeniable chemistry on the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, recalling, “At first I thought, let’s keep it open to anybody. 

The studio never put pressure on us about names or followers. Not one word. 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.”