Ariana Grande sets record straight over ‘graphic’ Cynthia Erivo friendship conspiracy: ‘Think we’re married!’
Ariana Grande, 31, has revealed that some fans believe she and Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo, 38, are “secretly married”, addressing the widespread internet theories about their relationship.
The singer-actress made the candid admission in a new Hollywood Reporter interview published yesterday, where she discussed the intense speculation surrounding her friendship with her co-star.
The duo have been inseparable during their Wicked promotional appearances, even spawning viral social media moments.
One such instance created their own “holding space” meme, which emerged after Grande was spotted clutching Erivo’s long fingernail during an interview.
Their close bond has been evident throughout the press tour, with Grande previously praising Erivo on the Podcrushed podcast as being “in their own league as a talent in the world”.
“To feel safe every single day together and hold space”, Grande noted of their connection.
Grande addressed the fan-created content involving her and Erivo’s characters, known as “Gelphie stuff”, in The Hollywood Reporter interview.
“I wish I could unsee some things”, she quipped about the graphic fan edits depicting Glinda and Elphaba in romantic situations.
“I mean, wow, I had a feeling, but I didn’t know it would be on this scale or this graphic”, the singer added, expressing surprise at the extent of fan interpretations.
Despite the fan theories, both stars are in established relationships. Grande began dating her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater in 2023, whilst Erivo has reportedly been in a relationship with Lena Waithe since 2020.
Grande has also addressed the broader scrutiny of her relationships, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “It’ll never be unpainful. But also, I walk with the awareness that I’m an artist and this is a path that I’ve chosen”.
In previous interviews, both stars have openly discussed the deep connection between their characters.
“I think she loves Glinda, I think she loves love,” Erivo told Gay Times about her character Elphaba’s feelings.
“Whether it’s romantic or platonic… if there were a time, you never know. Give it a little more time”, Grande added, discussing the characters’ “unbreakable bond”.
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Both Grande and Erivo are nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress respectively at this year’s Oscars Academy Awards.
The film itself is only up for a slew of awards including Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Sound and best Original Score.