Cynthia Erivo has publicly addressed the widespread rumours suggesting she and Ariana Grande were involved in a secret romantic relationship. Fans and online commentators have been buzzing for months about the nature of their bond, especially during the press tour for Wicked: For Good. Erivo’s recent comments offer a clearer picture of what’s really behind the headlines and speculation.
How the Rumours Started
Speculation about Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s relationship escalated as the Wicked press tour gained traction. The pair’s close interactions — including holding hands at public events and affectionate moments during interviews — sparked widespread online theories. Some viewers interpreted their visible chemistry as a sign of something deeper than friendship, while others brushed it off as a playful dynamic between co-stars who share a strong bond. The physical warmth and frequent touches, which Ariana has explained as her way of channeling energy and support, only added fuel to the online fire. People noticed that Grande often held Erivo’s hand or made contact during conversations, leading some observers to read more into these gestures than was intended.
Erivo’s Clarification on Their Relationship
In her recent interview, Erivo made it clear that the rumours of a secret relationship are false. She explained that their connection is entirely platonic, rooted in a deep friendship rather than romantic involvement. Erivo said that people often struggle to understand close female friendships without assuming they are romantic, simply because such relationships are rarely depicted or discussed openly in popular culture. Erivo went on to describe how the intense attention on her and Grande’s bond highlighted society’s discomfort with emotionally intimate friendships between women. She explained that people often expect close female pairs to fit into preconceived narratives, and when the reality defies those expectations, it becomes fodder for speculation. Her comments shed light on a broader cultural issue — that society isn’t always comfortable with deep non-romantic connections between women.
Individual Personal Lives
Both women have their own romantic lives outside of their professional partnership. Ariana Grande has been in a relationship with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater since 2023, after both of them parted ways with previous partners. Meanwhile, Erivo has been linked to Lena Waithe for several years, though their relationship has not been formally confirmed in public. These facts underline that neither actress is romantically linked to each other, despite fan theories suggesting otherwise. This distinction is important because it emphasizes that public speculation does not match the real-life details of their personal lives.
Why the Bond Captivated Fans
The Wicked press tour turned into a cultural moment in its own right, with fans and internet users closely watching every interview, event, and public appearance by Grande and Erivo. Their warmth, mutual respect, and visible camaraderie made for compelling online discussion and sometimes heated debate. In some cases, fans created memes or questioned the nature of their friendship, while others celebrated the genuine chemistry and found their dynamic inspiring. Erivo’s openness about the rumours adds valuable perspective, helping to humanize both women beyond the media noise.
Final Thoughts
Cynthia Erivo’s statement about her relationship with Ariana Grande highlights how easily close friendships — particularly between high-profile women — can be misinterpreted. Instead of a secret romance, what fans saw was a heartfelt bond shaped by shared creative experiences and mutual respect. By clarifying the situation publicly, Erivo hopes to encourage a more nuanced understanding of platonic relationships and challenge assumptions that can overshadow genuine human connection.
