Cynthia Erivo Calls Out Public’s ‘Annoyance’ Over Ariana Grande Friendship: ‘Why Are They Showing Emotion? How Dare They Cry!’
Cynthia Erivo says some people reacted with “annoyance” to the close friendship she shares with Ariana Grande, questioning why the two women were so connected. She argues that their emotional moments during the *Wicked* press tour were scrutinised regardless of how they behaved.
Erivo said the stars’ hugs, tears and laughter drew online attention, while she felt the label of Grande’s “bodyguard” after intervening when a man grabbed Grande at a Singapore red carpet. She described that framing as rooted in misogyny and misogynoir, saying she acted as a friend would.
In short
- Erivo says the public questioned her friendship with Grande.
- Their emotional press tour moments went viral.
- Erivo says the “bodyguard” label reflected misogyny and misogynoir.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Erivo’s account is that public scrutiny of her friendship with Grande reflects a double standard: women’s visible affection and emotion can be treated as excessive, while her protective response to a man grabbing Grande was recast as a bodyguard role. She may reasonably see that framing, particularly as a Black woman, as shaped by misogyny and misogynoir, and argue that friends should be free to show care without having their motives questioned.
The case against
Some observers may see the intense emotional displays and public closeness of two high-profile stars as fair subjects for discussion, especially during a major promotional tour where public presentation attracts attention. They could also argue that describing Erivo as a bodyguard was shorthand for a visible protective act, rather than evidence of sexist or racist intent, while acknowledging that such framing can still land badly.
Explained simply
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are actors and singers who star together in Wicked, a screen adaptation of the stage musical based on L. Frank Baum’s Oz stories. Erivo plays Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, while Grande plays Glinda, the Good Witch; the story follows their relationship before Dorothy arrives in Oz.
The pair became close while making and promoting the film, and their public appearances attracted attention online. Erivo is Black and Grande is white; misogynoir describes prejudice directed specifically at Black women, while misogyny refers to prejudice against women more broadly. The discussion touches on how women’s friendships and emotional behaviour are judged, and on how race can shape the way Black women are portrayed.
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