Cynthia Erivo Clarifies Friendship with Ariana Grande

Cynthia Erivo clarifies her Ariana Grande friendship, addressing rumours and sharing insight into platonic bonds between women in the spotlight

Actress Cynthia Erivo has addressed speculation surrounding her relationship with singer and actress Ariana Grande, clarifying that their bond is strictly platonic.

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Erivo, speaking to Stylist on 16 February 2026, explained that public fascination followed their appearances in Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good.

Fans and media outlets had interpreted photographs of the two actresses holding hands and posing closely during press tours as evidence of a romantic connection.

The attention intensified after a viral moment in late 2024, when Grande was photographed holding Erivo’s finger during the Wicked press circuit.

Describing the attention as “strange,” Erivo noted that many struggle to understand how women can maintain deep, affectionate friendships without a romantic element.

“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends, close and not lovers,” she said.

“There was this strange fascination with the two of us, where people either thought we were putting it on for the cameras or that we were lovers.”

Erivo suggested that the speculation reflects a broader societal lack of recognition for platonic female friendships.

“I think it’s because there’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, even though it exists everywhere. We’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people,” she added.

Grande, 32, also addressed the topic during a podcast with Amy Poehler, explaining that her frequent physical gestures are expressions of support and energy.

“I’m always holding a hand… I like to channel support and energy… I didn’t even notice that it was a thing about me until that thing happened,” she said.

The actresses’ close bond attracted further attention during the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore last November.

Erivo reportedly intervened to protect Grande during an incident involving a fan, 26-year-old Australian Johnson Wen, who was subsequently apprehended, charged with public nuisance, and sentenced to nine days in jail.

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Erivo’s comments underscore the natural and healthy nature of strong emotional connections between women, challenging the tendency to interpret close female friendships as inherently romantic.