Cynthia Erivo Addresses Speculation About Relationship with Ariana Grande

During a recent interview with Stylist, British-Nigerian actress and singer Cynthia Erivo responded to the rumors that she and her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande were romantically involved due to their close bond.

“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends—close—and not lovers,” Erivo, 39, said. “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.”

“And 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 added. “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.”

The rumors of Erivo and Grande, 32, being romantically involved swirled during the Wicked and Wicked: For Good press tours, as their close relationship was frequently on display. During the film’s premiere in Singapore, Erivo was seen assisting Grande after a fan breached security and approached the singer as reported by USA Today.

“We have approach through some s–t,” Erivo said at a special Screen Actors Guild NomCom consideration screening in Los Angeles on November 15, according to E! News. “We have come through some stuff in our lives, in our daily workings. I mean, f–k, even this last week.”

“Let’s be honest, for f–k’s sakes,” she continued, “we’ve had to really deal with some stuff, and this movie has allowed us to really grow as people, as friends, as sisters, as artists, as actresses.”

“There are other people who have seen themselves in this movie, in that character, and also now see themselves and feel safe,” Erivo continued. “That, for me, is the pinnacle of what I could ever wish for from any piece of work I have ever done. And I am so glad that in order to do it, I had to appear into the eyes of this person beside me.”

Erivo, who identifies as queer, has spoken about her romantic relationships, as noted by Elle.