Cynthia Erivo got a hug from her co-star Ariana Grande as the Problem hitmaker weighed in on the Wicked poster fan meme controversy.
The stars of Wicked were among those in attendance at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ fourth annual gala in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The duo’s departure comes after Cynthia, 37, expressed her anger over ‘offensive’ edits of Wicked made by fans, accusing them of ‘deleting’ her.
Speaking to Variety at the gala, Ariana, 31, defended Cynthia’s position and criticized the use of AI as “conflicting and problematic.”
After performing on Saturday, Cynthia appeared sad as Ariana comforted her backstage amid the controversy.
Cynthia Erivo got a hug from her co-star Ariana Grande in Los Angeles as the Problem hitmaker weighed in on the Wicked poster AI memes controversy on Saturday.
The stars of Wicked were among those in attendance at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ fourth annual gala in Los Angeles on Saturday.
“I think it’s very complicated because sometimes I find AI very confrontational and problematic, but I think it’s a huge adjustment period,” Ariana told a reporter about the drama surrounding the poster memes.
“This is something that is much bigger than us and the fans will have fun and make their edits.”
When asked if sometimes memes can go too far, he added: “I think so.” And I have a lot of respect for my sister Cynthia and I love her very much.
‘It’s just a big adjustment period. “It’s a great encouragement about something that is much bigger than us.”
Cynthia recently criticized an edited Wicked poster featuring her and co-star Ariana, where the fan had made it look like the original West End release.
The actress took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to repost an edited version of the recently revealed poster for her new film, which is a remake of the theatrical version.
She wrote: “This is the wildest and most offensive thing I have ever seen.”
Cynthia went on to compare it to the questions she was asked about her green skin in the movie.
The duo’s exit comes after Cynthia, 37, expressed her anger over “offensive” edits of Wicked made by fans, accusing them of “deleting” her.
Speaking to Variety at the gala, Ariana, 31, defended Cynthia’s position and criticized the use of AI as “conflictive and problematic.”
Speaking to Variety at the gala, Ariana, 31, defended Cynthia’s position and criticized the use of AI as “conflictive and problematic.”
“I think it’s very complicated because sometimes I find AI to be very confrontational and problematic, but I think it’s a huge adjustment period,” Ariana told a reporter about the drama surrounding the poster memes.
Cynthia took the stage at the gala in Los Angeles while performing for the audience.
When asked if sometimes memes can go too far, he added: “I think so.” And I have a lot of respect for my sister, Cynthia, and I love her very much.’
She continued: ‘None of this is funny. None of that is pretty. It degrades me. It degrades us.
‘The original poster is an ILLUSTRATION. ‘I am a real-life human being, who chose to look straight down the barrel of the camera at you, the viewer… because, without words, we communicate with our eyes.’
The talented actress then went on to describe the differences between the original musical version and the stage version.
“Our poster is a tribute, not an imitation,” he said, before adding, “editing my face and hiding my eyes is erasing me.” And that is deeply painful…’
He then posted another Instagram story with the official poster.
“Let me put this here,” Cynthia wrote above the image, alongside two green hearts. ‘To remind you and cleanse your palette.’
The difference between the two images is in the official poster, you can see Erivo’s face and she looks directly into the camera without any expression.
In the theatrical version of Wicked and the fan art, Elphaba’s hat is pulled down over her eyes and nose and she sports a smile on her face with red lipstick.
Cynthia recently criticized a particular edited Wicked poster featuring her and co-star Ariana, where the fan had made it look like the original West End post (Both pictured with co-star Jaff Goldblum).
“Our poster is a tribute, not an imitation,” he said, before adding, “editing my face and hiding my eyes is erasing me.” And that is deeply painful.
Ariana shared the official version of the poster on her Instagram Stories and gushed about her co-star, who is just one Academy Award away from EGOT status.
“I love you @cynthiaerivo and can’t wait for the world to experience your pure and utter magnificence in this… Just saying.” I love you, here we go!’
Cynthia later responded via Instastory: ‘@arianagrande what a moment. How wonderful we can live together!
‘I can’t wait for people to be impressed by you and your absolute love and care for Glinda (and truly Elphie). It’s time. I got you. I love you.’
