The pair grew notably close while promoting Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good. Throughout the press tours, they were often seen holding hands and posing affectionately together, sparking speculation among some fans that their relationship might be more than friendship.
In a recent interview with Stylist, Erivo described the public reaction as a “strange fascination.” She suggested that some people struggled to understand how two women could share a deep connection without it being romantic.
“At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends — close — and not lovers,” she explained, adding that there seemed to be assumptions that their closeness was either staged for publicity or proof of a secret romance.
Erivo pointed to a broader issue, saying that meaningful, platonic female friendships are rarely highlighted or discussed openly. Because audiences aren’t used to seeing that kind of intimacy between women on camera, she believes it can make some uncomfortable.
Grande, 32, has also spoken about their hand-holding moments. During an appearance on the podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, she admitted she naturally gravitates toward physical connection, often holding someone’s hand to steady herself or channel nervous energy. She said she hadn’t even realized it had become such a talking point until it went viral during the Wicked press tour in late 2024.
One widely shared clip showed Grande clasping Erivo’s finger during an event. Grande later explained she was simply trying to be supportive in an overwhelming moment and that the gesture felt genuine and sweet.
Their strong friendship was further highlighted at the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore last November, when Erivo stepped in protectively after a fan rushed toward Grande. The incident left Grande visibly shaken, but security quickly intervened and the individual was later arrested.
For Erivo, the takeaway seems clear: what people are seeing is not a hidden romance, but a sincere and supportive friendship — one she believes should be far less surprising than it apparently is.
