Summary (tl;dr)

Actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are trending due to widespread online speculation about their close friendship during the promotional tour for their film Wicked: For Good, fueled by a viral satirical post that falsely described their bond as a "non-demi-curious semi-binary relationship." Both actresses are in separate, established relationships.

Essential Background

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked. Their intense filming schedule and subsequent global press tour for the movies, including the recently released Wicked: For Good, have fostered a visibly close friendship between the two. Erivo identifies as queer and bisexual and has been in a relationship with Lena Waithe since early 2020, while Grande is dating her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

The Full Story

Online speculation about the nature of Erivo and Grande's relationship has surged due to their affectionate interactions, such as holding hands and supportive gestures, during the Wicked: For Good press events. This intimacy led some online users to suggest they were romantically involved, with certain commenters labeling their dynamic as "creepy." The rumors were significantly amplified by a satirical post from a Facebook page named "The Lamented," which falsely claimed Erivo had used the term "non-demi-curious semi-binary relationship" to describe their connection. This fabricated quote and its associated terminology, which is not a formal or clinically recognized term, went viral. Both Erivo and Grande have addressed their closeness, with Grande explaining that their physical affection is a way to "channel support" and "energy" through their hands. The actresses have consistently affirmed their bond as a deep friendship and sisterhood.

Why It Matters

This trend highlights the rapid spread of misinformation, particularly when fueled by satirical content and amplified by social media. The false speculation about Erivo and Grande's relationship distorts public understanding of gender and sexuality and reduces genuine friendships to sensationalized claims. It also places undue scrutiny on public figures and their personal lives, underscoring the challenges celebrities face in navigating public perception during promotional tours.

Geographic Location

• Singapore (premiere of Wicked: For Good, "serial intruder" incident)
• New York City, New York, United States (Lincoln Center, Wicked: For Good premiere event)
• London, England, United Kingdom (filming location for Wicked)