Ariana Grande Didn’t Get Paid More Than Cynthia Erivo for Wicked

In the ever-churning world of internet rumors, a new story recently caught fire: claims that pop superstar Ariana Grande earned $15 million for her role in the upcoming Wicked movie, while her co-star, Tony-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, received a mere $1 million. The supposed pay disparity quickly sparked debates about Hollywood’s treatment of Black actresses versus white pop stars. But as it turns out, this narrative was nothing more than misinformation.

A representative from Universal Pictures swiftly debunked the rumor, stating unequivocally, “Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder. The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.” This statement, issued to The Hollywood Reporter, should put to rest the claims that dominated social media and fueled speculation about systemic inequities.

Where Did This Rumor Come From?

The source of the confusion can be traced back to a lesser-known publication called Showbiz Galore. Its reporting included a list of alleged salaries for the Wicked cast, stating: “Salary of Cynthia Erivo in Wicked is $1 Million” and “Salary of Ariana Grande in Wicked is $15 Million.” The stark difference in figures raised eyebrows but lacked any credible sourcing or verification. Instead, the article’s questionable phrasing and lack of journalistic rigor—evident in lines like “Movie Wicked is produced by Marc Platt and David Stone”—hinted at the unreliability of the claims.

The Bigger Issue: Sensationalism and Divisive Narratives

The viral spread of this rumor points to a larger issue: the internet’s tendency to pit women against each other, often exacerbating existing societal biases. The purported pay gap between Grande, a white pop icon, and Erivo, a celebrated Black actress, aligned too neatly with ongoing conversations about representation and inequality in Hollywood. While these are critical discussions, baseless rumors like this one can undermine real progress by distracting from verifiable issues.

It’s also worth noting the role of artificial intelligence in perpetuating these narratives. Many speculative reports, like the one from Showbiz Galore, are suspected to rely heavily on AI-generated content, which often prioritizes sensationalism over fact-checking. The result? Misinformation spreads faster than ever, amplified by algorithms that reward clicks over accuracy.

Ariana and Cynthia: A Tale of Mutual Respect

Both Grande and Erivo have expressed immense enthusiasm for their roles in Wicked, with Grande playing Glinda and Erivo portraying Elphaba. Their performances are highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see their chemistry in the two-part adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s beloved novel. Grande, known for her powerhouse vocals, and Erivo, with her unmatched stage presence, represent a dream pairing for this iconic story.

Their collaboration—not competition—should be the focus. As Erivo once said about working with Grande, “She is one of the most humble and delightful people I’ve ever met.” Grande, in turn, has described Erivo as “a literal angel.” These sentiments reflect the kind of camaraderie and mutual respect that should define their partnership.

Moving Forward: Prioritizing Truth Over Clickbait

As Wicked’s November 2024 release date approaches, it’s inevitable that more rumors and speculative stories will surface. But this incident serves as a reminder to approach such claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. In an era where misinformation can spread at lightning speed, verifying facts is more important than ever.

Let’s celebrate Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for their talents and the groundbreaking performances they’re sure to deliver, rather than succumbing to divisive narratives that detract from their accomplishments. After all, the true magic of Wicked lies in its message of defying expectations and soaring to new heights—together.