Cynthia Erivo breaks silence on her romance rumours with Ariana Grande

By Tolulope Oke

Cynthia Erivo has addressed the speculation surrounding her close friendship with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, clearing the air amid rumors the pair were romantically involved.

The two actresses, who starred together in Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, were frequently seen clasping hands and posing cheek-to-cheek during press tours, prompting some fans to speculate that they were a couple.

Speaking to Stylist, Erivo described the attention as a “strange fascination,” explaining that many people struggle to understand how two women can be deeply close without being lovers.

“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends, close and not lovers,” Erivo said. “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 society rarely acknowledges platonic female friendships, which may have contributed to the confusion: “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’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people.”

Erivo emphasized that strong emotional connections between women can make others uncomfortable, but that such relationships are natural and healthy.

Grande, 32, has also addressed the topic, explaining during a podcast with Amy Poehler that she often channels support and energy through touch. “I’m always holding a hand… I like to channel support and energy… I didn’t even notice that it was a thing about me until that thing happened,” she said.

During the Wicked press tour in late 2024, Grande was seen holding Erivo’s finger, a gesture that went viral. The actresses’ bond was further highlighted when Erivo rushed to protect Grande during a fan incident at the Wicked: For Good Asia-Pacific premiere in Singapore last November. The fan, later identified as 26-year-old Australian Johnson Wen, was apprehended, charged with public nuisance, and sentenced to nine days in jail.