Cynthia Erivo responds to criticism of her friendship with Ariana Grande
The Wicked co-stars grew close while making the two-part adaptation and faced scrutiny during promotional appearances for both films.
Cynthia Erivo has challenged public reactions to her friendship with Ariana Grande, saying in an interview that some people appeared bothered by their closeness and emotional displays while promoting the Wicked films.
Erivo, 39, said observers had tried to analyze the pair from afar and questioned why two women were friends. She described responses that treated their connection as a sign that something was wrong, alongside criticism of their tears, laughter and other expressions of emotion.
The actress argued that showing no feeling would also have prompted complaints. She said she wished someone could specify the supposedly acceptable amount of emotion, describing conflicting expectations about how she and Grande should behave in public.
Erivo and Grande, 33, became close while working on the two-part movie adaptation. In August, Erivo joined Grande for an unannounced performance in London during a stop on Grande’s Eternal Sunshine tour.
