Cynthia Erivo is setting the record straight about ongoing speculation surrounding her bond with Ariana Grande.
In a recent interview with Stylist, the actress and singer addressed rumors suggesting the two stars are romantically involved, calling the assumptions misplaced.
“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends, close, and not lovers,” said Erivo. “There was this strange fascination where people thought we were either performing for the cameras or secretly together.”
Erivo went on to say, “There’s so little conversation around deep, platonic female friendship,” she explained. “We’re not used to seeing it publicly, even though it exists everywhere.”
The pair grew close while starring together in Wicked and its upcoming sequel, with fans closely following their offscreen connection. Erivo has been openly protective of Grande, including stepping in during a red carpet moment in Singapore when a fan unexpectedly grabbed the pop star.
Reflecting on that incident during an appearance on Today, Erivo said, “I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe. That was my first instinct.” Erivo says they are like “sisters” and nothing more.