Cynthia Erivo has finally spoken out to clarify her relationship with Ariana Grande.

After a long period of silence amid speculation surrounding their close bond, the actress and singer addressed the rumors in a new interview with Stylist. Erivo said she is well aware of the “strange curiosity” the public has about her friendship with Grande—her co-star in the film adaptations Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good.

“At first, I thought people simply didn’t understand how two women could be close—very close—without being romantically involved,” Erivo shared. “There’s a peculiar fascination with us, where people assume we’re either putting on a show of intimacy for the cameras or that we’re actually lovers.”

The London-born artist suggested that the root of the speculation lies in how rarely deep female friendships are discussed or portrayed. “We’re not used to seeing relationships like that on screen. And when two people are genuinely connected, it can make some viewers uncomfortable,” she added.

Grande, 32, also addressed the topic during a conversation on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler. She explained her habit of frequently holding her co-star’s hand: “I channel energy through my hands, so I’m always holding onto something. I didn’t even realize it until people started talking about it.”

The “Break Free” singer recalled that during the Wicked promotional tour in late 2024, she instinctively clutched Erivo’s hand when she felt unsure of what was happening. “I just wanted to show support. It felt beautiful and natural,” Grande said.

Erivo and Grande became close friends after working together on the two Wicked films, with Erivo portraying Elphaba and Grande starring as Glinda.

The pair have frequently appeared side by side at promotional events in New York, London, and Los Angeles, openly displaying affection through gestures such as holding hands, leaning on each other, and hugging in front of cameras—fueling further romantic rumors.

Their bond was further highlighted when Erivo stepped in to protect Grande during the Asia–Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore in November 2025. A fan rushed the stage, startling Grande, and Erivo quickly intervened before security detained the individual. Local media later reported that the intruder was a 26-year-old Australian man named Johnson Wen, nicknamed “Pyjama Man,” who was sentenced to nine days in jail and permanently banned from entering Singapore.

Despite the persistent gossip, Erivo emphasized that her relationship with Grande is a sincere and healthy friendship. “Connections that offer deep understanding are actually very good for us,” she said.

The two stars are currently continuing promotions for Wicked: For Good, marking their second collaboration with director Jon M. Chu.