Jon M. Chu defends friendship between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as he addresses mounting criticism over their close bond during the Wicked: For Good press tour. Speaking out at an American Cinematheque For Good screening and Q&A held on December 1, Chu emphasized the importance of openly celebrating genuine friendship in the public eye.
The scrutiny began as the stars made numerous public appearances together for both musical film adaptations of Wicked. Their visible camaraderie and deep emotional responses during interviews became a central point of discussion among fans and critics alike, with online platforms fueling conversation about their authenticity.
Public Scrutiny Surrounds Grande and Erivo’s Bond
Grande and Erivo, both of whom were nominated for Oscars for their performances in the 2024 film adaptation, often displayed strong affection and solidarity during last year’s press tour. One moment, now known as the “holding space” incident, went viral as Ariana Grande was seen gripping Cynthia Erivo’s manicured nail, earning the status of the No. 10 Greatest Pop Star Meme of All-Time, as recognized by Billboard. This dynamic made the duo a frequent subject of social media and pop culture discussions.
Despite their joyful and supportive demeanor, the two leading ladies also became targets for disparaging remarks. Online commentary frequently centered on their appearances and the nature of their friendship, with conversations growing more intense after notable press tour events. These included Grande missing the Brazilian premiere, Erivo defending her co-star from an overly eager red carpet attendee at the Singaporean premiere, and Erivo losing her voice during the New York premiere, coinciding with Grande contracting COVID-19.
During the fan-filmed segment at the American Cinematheque event, Jon M. Chu directly addressed the negative attention:
“For us to be at a time when you can have these two amazing women emerge from their shells to share love and friendship and the importance of that, unabashedly, no cynicism; to be able to share that vulnerability and wounds with the world, knowing people are going to come out with their knives, shame on people who put that down,”
Jon M. Chu, Director.
He further reinforced the authenticity and impact of their offscreen relationship by adding:
“These girls are giving us everything; it is why people around the world are drawn to it. It’s why they love it, and they’re sharing a real friendship that happened on set that I got to be a part of, and we should honor that with everything that we have.”
Jon M. Chu, Director.
Success of Wicked: For Good and Ongoing Backlash
Despite the sustained online debate, the enduring partnership between the two women did not hinder Wicked: For Good’s commercial achievements. In its opening weekend, the film broke records for a Broadway adaptation, earning $223 million worldwide and surpassing its predecessor as the highest-grossing musical film adaptation of all time, with a global box office total exceeding $750 million.
Criticism intensified over the holiday weekend around November 29 when Ariana Grande shared a clip from a 2024 interview, reminding fans about the harm in dissecting and judging public figures for their appearance. This message aimed to counteract the personal attacks circulating on social platforms.
Additionally, the soundtrack made a notable impact. The For Good’s soundtrack achieved the No. 2 position on the Billboard 200, matching the original’s previous success. Multiple tracks also charted on the Billboard Hot 100, including “For Good” (No. 43), “No Good Deed” (No. 56), “As Long As You’re Mine” (No. 91), and “The Girl in the Bubble” (No. 100).
Looking Ahead: Lasting Impact on Fans and the Industry
Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are prominent contenders in their respective categories at the 98th Academy Awards scheduled for next March. Their friendship, which became a radical focal point for public commentary, has been championed by Jon M. Chu as a symbol of positive vulnerability and creative collaboration.
As the dialogue continues, the way this friendship has been publicly defended is likely to influence broader conversations about celebrity relationships and online toxicity, particularly when such high-profile figures are involved. The film’s remarkable box office performance and critical acclaim demonstrate that, regardless of controversy, authentic connections can resonate deeply with audiences across the world.
jon m. chu addresses the hate surrounding ariana and cynthia’s friendship:
“for us to be at a time when you can have these two amazing women emerge from their shells to share love and friendship and the importance of that, unabashedly, no cynicism; to be able to share that… pic.twitter.com/NPJIzJWTwD
— Ariana Grande Today (@ArianaToday) December 2, 2025
