Cynthia Erivo has publicly addressed years of speculation about a romantic relationship with Ariana Grande, following rumors that their close bond influenced their omission from this year’s Oscar nominations. The actresses, who co-starred in Wicked, faced intense scrutiny over their public displays of affection, sparking both fan theories and accusations of a secret romance despite both being in existing relationships.
The Root of the Rumors
The speculation began during the Wicked press tour, where Erivo and Grande’s visible closeness led to viral memes and jokes. As Erivo recently told Stylist, the public struggled to accept the possibility of a deep, non-romantic connection between two women.
“People didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends – close – and not lovers… There’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real.”
This reaction, Erivo suggests, speaks to a broader cultural discomfort with strong female friendships that don’t conform to traditional expectations. Society tends to sexualize close relationships between women, assuming romance where none exists.
Oscar Snub and Behind-the-Scenes Criticism
The actresses were notably excluded from the 2024 Oscar nominations for Wicked: Part One, despite having received prior recognition for their work. Anonymous Academy voters have since hinted at potential reasons for the snub. One voter told NewsNation that the film itself was underwhelming, and the leads spent much of the movie apart. Another claimed that their promotional appearances were “creepy” and “inauthentic.”
The same voter also suggested that Erivo and Grande’s intense presence on red carpets may have alienated some industry professionals. The perception of their chemistry, while strong on-screen, seemed to overwhelm promotional events for some.
Ultimately, Erivo’s comments serve as a reminder that public perception often fails to recognize genuine platonic bonds between women, and industry decisions are often shaped by subjective reactions to celebrity behavior.
