Cynthia Erivo Addresses "Bodyguard" Comments On 'Wicked' Press Run

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Cynthia Erivo opened up about a scary incident on the Wicked press run, when a man got over the barricades and grabbed onto Ariana Grande at the November 2025 Singapore premiere. In a video of the altercation, Erivo defended Grande, pushing the man off of her and hugging her afterwards. Afterwards, some fans referred to Erivo as Grande’s “bodyguard” — a term that did not sit well with the British actor.

When asked about the “bodyguard” comments in a Variety interview, published May 27, Erivo explained her perspective on that particular narrative. “I think that we haven’t really come to terms with the insidious nature of how we view Black women. And I’m sure people will read this and think, ‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, it’s not about that.’ But ...