During the Singapore premiere of “Wicked: For Good” on November 17, 2025, actress Cynthia Erivo intervened when a fan rushed toward her co-star Ariana Grande. The individual, a 26-year-old Australian identified as Johnson Wen, was subsequently arrested. Erivo’s quick response to protect Grande has generated significant online attention.
Following the incident, some social media users began sharing memes about Erivo, prompting a backlash from others who criticized the portrayal. Instagram creator @thefilmdiva voiced concerns about the viral clips, highlighting a troubling aspect of misogyny in the reactions directed toward Erivo. Grammy-winning artist SZA supported this perspective, commenting that the backlash against Erivo exemplified “classic misogynoir.”
In a November 20 interview with TODAY, Erivo reflected on her actions, stating her primary concern was Grande’s safety. She described her relationship with Grande as a strong friendship, likening them to sisters who support each other. The pair have been closely associated throughout the promotional activities for the “Wicked” films.
False rumors regarding the nature of Erivo and Grande’s relationship circulated online, claiming they were in a non-traditional relationship; however, Erivo has refuted these claims.
- Why it matters:
- The incident raises awareness about the safety of public figures and the consequences of unwanted fan interactions.
- The backlash against Erivo highlights ongoing issues of misogyny and how media representations can impact public perception.
- The latest:
- Cynthia Erivo has addressed the incident and the subsequent social media reactions in interviews, reinforcing her commitment to supporting her friend Ariana Grande.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/infotainment/sza-slams-viral-cynthia-erivo-memes-as-classic-misogynoir-after-shocking-ariana-grande-fan-incident-101764461308382.html
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/infotainment/sza-slams-viral-cynthia-erivo-memes-as-classic-misogynoir-after-shocking-ariana-grande-fan-incident-101764461308382.html