Cynthia Erivo Addresses Viral ‘Bodyguard’ Jokes After Protecting Ariana Grande

Cynthia Erivo has responded to the viral jokes labeling her as Ariana Grande’s “bodyguard” following her intervention during a red carpet security incident. She believes the reaction highlights deeper societal issues regarding the perception of Black women in public life.

In an interview with Variety, Erivo discussed the moment she stepped in when a fan rushed toward Ariana Grande at a premiere. The incident quickly gained traction online, where memes and jokes referred to her as a “bodyguard” instead of recognizing her as a co-star or friend. Erivo pointed out that the framing of this moment reflects more about societal biases than it does about humor.

“I think that we haven’t really come to terms with the insidious nature of how we view Black women,” she stated. She emphasized that while some might dismiss this notion, it accurately describes the situation. “It was my physique; it was my shape; it was the fact that I was bald; it was about what I looked like. And because of that, there was this assumption that I was bigger than my co-star and so I had to be controlling or protecting, and that was my role. I would hazard a guess that it would not have been the same had it been the other way around.”

Erivo also reflected on the intense experience surrounding ‘Wicked’ and its sequel for both her and Grande. The two stars have spent years promoting the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, becoming closely associated in the public eye. Erivo noted that their genuine friendship was often questioned online, despite its authenticity.

She explained that they made a conscious effort to remain close during the lengthy press tours and filming process. “We were holding on by threads,” she said, describing how they supported each other through constant travel, interviews, and public attention.

According to Erivo, much of the online discourse surrounding them overlooked the reality of their relationship, replacing it with assumptions. She remarked, “Lots of psychologists seated at home deciding who we were, what we were going through, what we were doing and why.”

The red carpet incident only heightened that scrutiny. While many praised her for her quick action to protect Grande, the internet’s response also turned it into jokes and memes that Erivo felt diminished her identity. She noted that the focus on her appearance significantly influenced how the moment was interpreted.

Erivo pointed out that the same situation would likely not have been perceived the same way if the physical roles were reversed. She believes the assumptions stem from how society views Black women’s bodies and their presence in public spaces.

Beyond the viral moment, Erivo also spoke about the emotional toll of the entire ‘Wicked’ experience. She described feeling drained by the constant scrutiny and how it affected her feelings about public campaigning during awards season.

Despite the challenges, she values the experience and her collaboration with Grande. She acknowledged that the intensity of fame and online reactions has made her more cautious about how she approaches future projects and public life.

For Erivo, the situation transcended a single viral moment, becoming a reflection of a broader pattern of interpretation that she feels is often unjust.

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