Cynthia Erivo Says Online Backlash Led Her to Step Back From Wicked Awards Campaign

Cynthia Erivo says she stepped back from the awards campaign for Wicked: For Good after feeling hurt by online criticism during the first film’s promotion.

In an interview with Variety, the actress said she felt unfairly judged after defending her costar Ariana Grande at a Singapore premiere event. Erivo said people misunderstood her actions and made assumptions about her because of “the way people see women who look like me.”

The Oscar-nominated actress said the experience made her avoid a bigger role in the sequel’s awards season. She also felt the second Wicked film did not receive fair treatment from some critics and audiences.

Erivo added that awards season lasts too long and can become emotionally exhausting. She said she and Grande supported each other through the pressure of promoting the films.

Addressing rumors about their relationship, Erivo said she and Grande are genuine friends and still text almost every day.