Overview
- In a new Stylist interview, Erivo states her relationship with Grande is purely platonic and rejects claims they were secretly lovers.
- She argues the rumors arose because close female friendship is rarely acknowledged publicly, which makes visible emotional connection uncomfortable for some observers.
- Grande has explained on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast that she often seeks physical contact for support, helping contextualize their viral hand-holding during the Wicked press tours.
- Both stars remain publicly linked to other partners, with Erivo associated with Lena Waithe and Grande dating Ethan Slater.
- Context from recent coverage includes Erivo stepping in when a fan lunged at Grande at the 2025 Singapore premiere, after which the fan was jailed, and separate anonymously sourced claims suggesting their promotional style may have hurt Wicked: For Good at the Oscars, which remain unverified.