Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande ‘deep friendship’ laid bare: ‘Strange’
The close friendship between actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, which blossomed during the promotional tour for their film Wicked, sparked widespread speculation about the nature of their relationship. Erivo, 39, recently addressed the rumors, clarifying that their deep connection is a platonic one.
A Friendship Misunderstood
Erivo explained that many initially struggled to accept the possibility of a close, non-romantic relationship between two women. She stated, “At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends – close – and not lovers.” This misunderstanding, she believes, is rooted in a societal lack of representation of deep, platonic female friendships.
Erivo noted that some observers assumed their closeness was merely a publicity tactic, stating, “we were putting it on for the cameras.” However, she emphasized the importance of normalizing strong female friendships, arguing that society isn’t accustomed to seeing such bonds openly displayed. She and Grande, 32, intentionally challenged the common narrative of female co-stars being pitted against each other.
A Supportive Partnership
Erivo described a supportive partnership both on and off set, noting that she and Grande text each other almost daily, even after the completion of the film’s promotional activities. They actively sought to create a collaborative environment, contrasting with the often-portrayed dynamic of competitive female co-stars.
The actresses’ bond, as Erivo explained, was a deliberate effort to counter the expectation that female co-stars will inevitably experience conflict and rivalry, potentially hindering the creative process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Cynthia Erivo to address the rumors?
Cynthia Erivo addressed the rumors during a recent interview, stating she had never previously spoken about the fascination with the nature of her friendship with Ariana Grande.
What did Cynthia Erivo say about the perception of her relationship with Ariana Grande?
Erivo stated that people initially found it difficult to believe that two women could be close friends without being lovers.
How did Erivo and Grande approach their working relationship on Wicked?
Erivo and Grande intentionally fostered a supportive partnership, both on and off set and continue to communicate regularly.
As public figures, Erivo and Grande’s relationship has become a topic of public discussion. How might increased visibility of healthy, platonic female friendships impact societal expectations?