‘I felt my humanity was bastardised’: Cynthia Erivo says reaction to Ariana Grande red carpet incident rooted in racism

Cynthia Erivo, during the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good, intervened when a man, Johnson Wen, jumped a barrier and grabbed co-star Ariana Grande, highlighting the reactions that suggested she was merely a 'bodyguard.' Erivo expressed that these responses reflect a troubling perception of Black women.

This incident has implications for Erivo's public image and her future in campaigning for awards, as she feels that the incident and its aftermath have undermined her humanity and contributions as an artist.

The incident underscores ongoing discussions about the portrayal and treatment of Black women in the entertainment industry, revealing deeper societal issues regarding race and gender that persist in public perception and media narratives.