Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo denies romance with co-star Ariana Grande

Cynthia Erivo has finally addressed the rumors about her ‘close’ friendship with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande.

Fans had long speculated that the actresses who play Elphaba and Glinda in the Wicked and Wicked: For Good  films might be secretly dating, but Erivo clarified that it wasn’t true. She finds these speculation ‘strange.’

According to the online magazine People.com, the Dracula star reflected on the fascination that surrounded her relationship with pop singer and actress Ariana Grande during the films’ press tours and red carpet appearances.

Erivo, 39, pointed out that some people struggled to understand how two women could be very close friends without being romantic.

“There was this odd obsession with us, where people assumed either we were putting it on for the cameras or that we were romantically involved,” she said.

During events and red carpets for the Wicked films, Erivo and Grande often shared affectionate moments that went viral, which fueled  rumors. But the closeness was purely platonic, and both actresses are in other relationships. 

Ariana Grande is currently in a relationship with American actor Ethan Slater, while Erivo is with actress and producer Lena Waithe.

“The thing is, there’s so little visibility for platonic female friendships that are truly intimate and real,” Erivo said. She also noted that female friendships are often misunderstood or overlooked, especially when people see them in public.

“Sometimes, when people witness that kind of bond, it makes them uncomfortable because it’s not something they’re used to seeing. But those relationships are valuable, meaningful, and important.”

She emphasized that these platonic acts of endearment are valuable, even if  some people not who are not used to seeing these become uncomfortable.