Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Clarify Friendship Amid Rumors

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are currently navigating a wave of online misinformation regarding their friendship, with claims suggesting they share a “semi-binary relationship.” These rumors emerged following the recent Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore, where the two actresses displayed a close and affectionate bond, prompting speculation about the nature of their relationship.

Despite the warmth of their interactions during promotional events, some social media users have characterized their behavior as “creepy.” In response, Ariana Grande clarified her actions, stating that she enjoys “channeling support” and “energy” through physical contact. This explanation came after a satirical post went viral, inaccurately attributing the term “non-demi-curious semi-binary relationship” to Erivo, who reportedly never used that phrase.

The Roots of Misunderstanding

The misleading viral post attempted to explain the concepts of demigender and semi-binary identities, falsely claiming that Erivo described their relationship as one of curiosity rather than a romantic connection. According to Pink News, this quote was fabricated. The source of the misinformation, a Facebook page called The Lamented, is dedicated to satire and features a bio that clearly states, “where truth goes to die and sarcasm reigns supreme.” This indicates that the post was intended as a joke rather than a factual statement.

In addition to the relationship rumors, the satire page also joked about Grande and Erivo attributing societal issues regarding body image to Ozempic, a diabetes medication. This mockery highlights the ongoing scrutiny both actresses face regarding their appearances.

In reality, Ariana Grande is in a relationship with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, while Cynthia Erivo identifies as queer and is dating Lena Waithe. Erivo publicly disclosed her bisexuality in an August 2022 interview with British Vogue. This context further clarifies the nature of their bond, which is rooted in friendship rather than romance.

Affectionate Friendship Under Scrutiny

During their promotional activities for Wicked: For Good, Grande and Erivo have been seen holding hands and sharing affectionate moments. Reports from Reality Tea suggest that their closeness is genuine, with Grande even opting out of interviews in New York when Erivo was unwell.

Despite this, a source speaking to Star Magazine claimed that their on-screen camaraderie masks underlying tensions, suggesting that their relationship had turned “toxic” during filming and necessitated mediation. Contrarily, insiders have told the Daily Mail that their friendship is authentic, describing Erivo as “super protective” of Grande, likening her to the big sister Grande never had. One insider noted, “Cynthia worships the ground she walks on… They’ve bonded on so many levels and have complete trust with each other.”

Looking ahead, some sources indicate that the strength of their friendship will be tested once the promotional cycle for Wicked concludes. The dynamic nature of Hollywood friendships suggests that changes could occur, as pointed out by one tipster who remarked, “Post-Wicked will be a true test of their friendship.”

Despite the swirling rumors, both actresses continue to focus on their careers and personal lives. The discourse around their friendship serves as a reminder of the challenges public figures face with online misinformation and the importance of clear communication in defining personal relationships.

In summary, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are simply close friends, dispelling notions of a “semi-binary relationship.” Their genuine bond is evident in their interactions, underscoring the need for discernment in the face of social media speculation.