Erivo Says Friendship Scrutiny With Grande Was 'Double-Edged Sword'
Cynthia Erivo told The Guardian she pushed away a man who rushed at Ariana Grande in Singapore and rejected the "bodyguard" label.
Cynthia Erivo has spoken about the scrutiny her friendship with Ariana Grande faced during the promotional campaigns for the Wicked films, telling The Guardian that people questioned whether the two women could genuinely be friends.
Erivo described the attention paid to their emotional displays as a double-edged sword, according to the interview.
She also recalled the moment she intervened at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good, when Johnson Wen rushed toward Grande.
Erivo said she was uncomfortable with being labelled Grande's bodyguard and linked the backlash to misogyny and misogynoir, adding that she would have done the same for any friend.
Separately, Prima Facie, which stars Erivo, is scheduled to open in UK cinemas on November 13, 2026. A US theatrical release date has not yet been announced.
Quick answers
What happened at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good?
Johnson Wen rushed toward Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo intervened and pushed him away.
When does Prima Facie open in UK cinemas?
Prima Facie, starring Cynthia Erivo, is scheduled to open in UK cinemas on November 13, 2026.