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Cynthia Erivo Says Her Bond With Ariana Grande Is Platonic, Not Romantic

Erivo attributes the rumor cycle to the public’s lack of language for intense platonic friendship between women.

Overview

  • In a new Stylist interview published Feb. 10 and amplified this weekend, Erivo rejects years of speculation that she and Grande were secretly a couple.
  • She describes a “strange fascination” with their closeness and says the rumors reflect how rarely deep female friendships are recognized publicly.
  • Grande has separately explained her frequent hand-holding during press events as a way she channels energy and offers support, per the Good Hang podcast.
  • Reports also note both stars’ relationships outside the friendship, with Grande dating Ethan Slater and Erivo long linked to Lena Waithe.
  • Coverage references debate over their press-tour persona, with some anonymous Oscar voters claiming it turned them off as Wicked: For Good received zero 2026 nominations.