Cynthia Erivo Clarifies Relationship with Ariana Grande, Dismisses Romance Rumors

Cynthia Erivo has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding her close bond with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, firmly dismissing rumors of a romantic relationship. After months of online discussion fueled by their on-screen and off-screen chemistry, Erivo clarified the nature of their connection, emphasizing a deep and platonic friendship.

The Source of the Rumors

The speculation began during the extensive press tour for Wicked and Wicked: For Good, where Erivo and Grande frequently displayed a close and affectionate dynamic. Viral clips capturing their emotional connection led some fans to believe their relationship extended beyond friendship. This was compounded by Grande’s existing relationship with actor Ethan Slater and Erivo’s dating Lena Waithe since 2022, leading to questions about the nature of their bond.

Erivo Addresses the “Strange Fascination”

In a recent interview with The Stylist, Erivo spoke candidly about the “strange fascination” with her and Grande’s relationship. “At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends—close—and not lovers,” she explained. She noted that she had previously avoided addressing the rumors directly, but felt compelled to speak out given the persistent speculation.

Erivo attributed the rumors to a lack of representation of deep, platonic female friendships in the 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,” she said. “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.”

A Bond Forged Through Shared Experiences

Erivo and Grande’s connection extends beyond their professional collaboration. During the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good, Erivo instinctively stepped in to protect Grande when a fan breached security and rushed the stage. Reflecting on the incident, Erivo stated, “I just wanted to build sure my friend was safe.”

Erivo described their relationship as a sisterhood, stating, “We’re kind of like sisters at this moment in time. We’ve both learned from each other and given each other some really, really attractive gifts. We’ve really looked after each other through this.”

Grande’s Perspective

Ariana Grande has too touched upon their close connection, referencing their physical touch as a way of channeling energy, and support. During an appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, Grande explained her habit of holding hands, stating, “I do, I do. I channel a lot of energy through my hands…I’m always reaching for something.”

Key Takeaways

• Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are close friends, not romantic partners.
• The rumors stemmed from their visible connection during the Wicked press tour.
• Erivo believes the speculation highlights a societal discomfort with deep platonic female friendships.
• Both actresses have emphasized the importance of their supportive relationship.

Erivo’s comments underscore the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse forms that relationships can take, particularly the often-overlooked strength and depth of platonic connections between women.