Jon M. Chu Responds to Backlash Over Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Friendship

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Fans have had varied reactions to the sometimes quirky dynamic between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both during the promotion of and at premieres for the upcoming Wicked movies.

Despite what people have been saying and guessing, Ariana has stated definitively that her relationship with Cynthia is purely a friendship. She confirmed this earlier in the year when she spoke with The Hollywood Reporter.

“People think we’re secretly married.”

People often closely examine Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s public moments, and some have criticized them as awkward or read too much into them. A good example is the widely shared video of Erivo fixing Grande’s necklace, even though it didn’t seem needed.

Cynthia Erivo gets an uncontrollable urge to “fix” Ariana Grande’s necklace mid-interview. 👀

— Rain The Plug (@Raintheplug1) November 16, 2025

Jon M. Chu, the director of the upcoming film Wicked, recently addressed the close bond between its two lead actresses. He publicly supported their friendship and dismissed online negativity, emphasizing how genuine their connection is. He stated,

It’s wonderful to see these two women openly share their friendship, love, and vulnerabilities with the world. They’re being incredibly brave and honest, and it’s inspiring to watch. Despite knowing they might face criticism, they’re sharing their true selves, and that’s something we should celebrate. Their genuine connection, which blossomed on set, is resonating with people globally, and we should fully support and appreciate it.

Jon M. Chu responded to criticism regarding the friendship between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, emphasizing how special it is to see these two talented women openly share their love and support for each other without any negativity or skepticism. He believes this genuine connection is something to be celebrated.

— Ariana Grande Today (@ArianaToday) December 2, 2025

I remember Chu talking about the amazing connection they had with their co-star while filming. They said it was just so special to see their friendship blossom – truly one of the most heartwarming things to witness!

He explained that these two actresses are exceptionally prominent figures, perhaps the most well-known of our generation. Despite the potential for conflict or ego clashes, they consistently prioritized the success of Wicked over their own personal feelings. He believes this selflessness, and their ability to fully embody the characters of Elphaba and Galinda, is a mark of true artistry.

Chu explained that the strong friendship between the actresses playing Elphaba and Galinda really enhanced the film. He believes this connection allowed audiences to deeply connect with the characters, making them feel more real and relatable, and contributing to the film’s cultural impact. He also added that it made his job as a director much easier.

I’m so glad Jon M. Chu spoke up! It really reinforces what so many of us feel – the bond between Ariana and Cynthia is real, and it’s made the story of Wicked even more magical for everyone who’s been following it. It’s wonderful to know their connection is authentic and adds so much depth to the whole experience.

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2025-12-02 18:47