Cynthia Erivo Calls Out Public’s ‘Annoyance’ Over Ariana Grande Friendship: ‘Why Are They Showing Emotion? How Dare They Cry!’

Cynthia Erivo addressed the public's criticism of her friendship with Ariana Grande during the "Wicked" press tour in an interview with The Guardian. The "Wicked" co-stars were often seen sitting together and sharing interviews, which led to many viral moments, with one of the most notable being Tracy E. Gilchrist's interview. Gilchrist recounted how Grande and Erivo awkwardly held each other's fingers during the interview, and how the gesture became a viral sensation.

Erivo described the public's annoyance at the two women being friends, questioning their motives and expressing disbelief at the level of emotion displayed. She noted that if the two had been emotionless, there would have been another angle to focus on. Erivo expressed a desire for a more balanced approach to emotional expression, rather than being told exactly how to show emotion.