Takeaways
- Cynthia Erivo shut down rumors that she and Ariana Grande are romantically involved.
- Both stars are in established relationships.
- Erivo says the speculation reflects discomfort around deep, platonic female friendships.
- The Wicked costars share a close bond — but it’s friendship, not romance.
Rumors move fast in Hollywood — especially when two major stars share the spotlight.
Now, Cynthia Erivo is finally addressing speculation that she and Ariana Grande are more than just friends after starring together in Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good.
Here’s what she had to say — and why this conversation matters.
Cynthia Erivo Breaks Silence on Ariana Grande Rumors
In a recent interview with Stylist, Cynthia Erivo addressed long-running fan speculation that she and Ariana Grande are romantically involved.
The Oscar-nominated actress explained that people struggled to understand how two women could be extremely close — without being lovers.
“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends — close — and not lovers,” Erivo said.
She continued:
“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.”
Rather than ignore the rumors, Erivo chose to confront them directly.
The Facts: Both Stars Are in Relationships
Despite ongoing fan theories, both actresses have publicly established relationships:
- Cynthia Erivo has been dating Emmy-winning writer and producer Lena Waithe for over a year.
- Ariana Grande has been dating her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater since mid-2023.
The speculation persisted online, particularly across social media platforms where celebrity fan culture thrives. But Erivo made it clear: the narrative isn’t grounded in reality.
Why the Rumors Started
According to Erivo, the issue runs deeper than celebrity gossip.
She suggested that society isn’t used to seeing deep, platonic female friendships portrayed publicly — especially between high-profile women.
“There’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, even though it exists everywhere,” she explained.
“We’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people.”
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 comments sparked broader discussions online about how female friendships are perceived — particularly in entertainment media.
The Impact of Wicked and On-Screen Chemistry
The film adaptation of Wicked has been one of the most anticipated movie musicals in recent years. The chemistry between Erivo (Elphaba) and Grande (Glinda) has been widely praised — both in promotional appearances and on screen.
In Hollywood, intense on-screen chemistry often fuels speculation. It’s not new. From co-stars in romantic dramas to ensemble casts in blockbuster franchises, fans frequently blur the line between character dynamics and real-life relationships.
For actors and entertainers, this kind of attention is part of the industry — but it also highlights how quickly narratives can spiral online.
Celebrity Friendships Under the Microscope
In the age of TikTok edits, fan fiction, and viral speculation threads, celebrity friendships often become storylines of their own.
Industry experts note that:
- Social media amplifies fan theories at unprecedented speed
- Audiences crave authentic connection between co-stars
- Public displays of affection — even platonic — are dissected frame by frame
Erivo’s decision to address the rumors head-on reflects a growing trend among actors choosing transparency over silence.
What This Means for Hollywood Narratives
Erivo’s comments tap into a larger cultural conversation about how we view female relationships in entertainment.
Deep friendship between women — especially powerful, successful women — is often romanticized or mischaracterized. By speaking openly, Erivo reframed the narrative around connection, collaboration, and mutual respect.
For fans of Wicked, the takeaway is simple: the magic is professional, artistic, and rooted in genuine friendship.
And that’s worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
Will speculation completely disappear? Probably not.
But Cynthia Erivo made one thing clear: her bond with Ariana Grande is real — just not romantic.
In an industry built on storytelling, sometimes the truth is refreshingly straightforward.
