Cynthia Erivo talks ‘strange fascination’ with her relationship with Ariana Grande
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked. (Universal Studios)
Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has addressed the “strange fascination” fans have with her relationship with co-star Ariana Grande.
In an interview with Stylist, Erivo opened up about the widespread scrutiny of her friendship with Grande, which even led to online misinformation claiming that they were in a “semi-binary” relationship.
“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends — close — and not lovers,” she said of speculation that their friendship was performative or more than platonic.
“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.”
‘We are not used to seeing it on camera’
Erivo went on to share that she believes their relationship has received such scrutiny because emotional intimacy between women is rarely discussed in media.
“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 said.
She added: “A relationship where people are connected sometimes just makes people uncomfortable; we aren’t taught that those relationships are good for us.”
Her co-star, Grande, previously revealed why she and Erivo like to “touch each other” so much, explaining that she likes to “channel support” and “energy” through her hands.
Grande is currently in a relationship with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. Erivo identifies as queer and bisexual, and first openly spoke about her sexuality in an August 2022 issue of British Vogue. She is dating Lena Waithe who identifies as a lesbian.
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