Cynthia Erivo Speaks Out on Racism After Protecting Ariana Grande at 'Wicked' Event

Cynthia Erivo has spoken out about the backlash she received after protecting Ariana Grande during a promotional event for 'Wicked: For Good.' The incident, which involved a fan jumping a barrier, has sparked discussions about racism and societal perceptions of Black women. Erivo expressed her frustration over the negative comments and how they reflect deeper issues within society. She also revealed that the online discourse affected her willingness to participate in promotional activities, highlighting the challenges faced by Black women in the industry. This incident has raised important questions about personal space and the treatment of individuals in the public eye.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2026, 11:33 IST

A Strong Bond Amid Controversy

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have developed a close friendship while working on the musical adaptations of "Wicked" and its sequel, "Wicked: For Good." However, their relationship has ignited significant discussions online, with some users labeling Erivo as Grande's "bodyguard." In response to these comments, Erivo has highlighted that many reactions, particularly regarding a specific incident at a promotional red carpet event, are steeped in racism.

In a recent conversation with Variety, Erivo recounted an alarming moment during the Singapore promotional event for "Wicked: For Good." She described how a fan leaped over a barrier and grabbed Grande, leaving the crowd in shock. "Nobody moved. Nobody moved. So I moved because my brain went, ‘Get him away! Get him out of here!’" Erivo shared. She noted that the man was holding onto Grande tightly, which prompted her to intervene. "Everyone was really scared because of what happened," she remarked, stressing the significance of respecting personal space.

Despite her instinct to safeguard her co-star, Erivo expressed her disappointment over the negative online reactions that ensued. She believes these comments reflect a larger societal issue regarding the perception of Black women. "I think that we haven’t really come to terms with the insidious nature of how we view Black women," she articulated. Erivo pointed out that the mockery she faced was linked to her appearance, including her physique and baldness, which led to misguided assumptions about her involvement in the incident.

Erivo also shared that the online backlash influenced her willingness to engage in promotional activities for "Wicked: For Good." She admitted there were times she contemplated stepping back from such events entirely. "I just felt like my humanity had been bastardized," she explained, noting that her instinctive actions were misinterpreted due to societal biases. "I didn’t want to put myself through it. I didn’t feel like I deserved it," she added.

The incident on the red carpet took place during the promotional tour in Singapore, where a fan named Johnson Wen jumped the barrier and grabbed Grande. Erivo, along with other cast members and security, quickly intervened to remove the individual. Following this breach of security, Wen received a nine-day jail sentence, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.