Cynthia Erivo says reaction to red-carpet incident rooted in racism
The Story
Cynthia Erivo stated that the online reaction to her stepping in to protect co-star Ariana Grande from a red-carpet invader at the Singapore premiere of *Wicked: For Good* revealed “the insidious nature of how we view Black women.” Erivo said she was “terrified” and that the invader, Johnson Wen, would not let go of Grande. She added that the incident and subsequent mockery made her reluctant to campaign for Oscars for the film.
Key Facts
- The incident occurred at the Singapore premiere of *Wicked: For Good* at Universal Studios Singapore.
- Johnson Wen jumped a barrier and rushed toward Erivo and Grande; he was sentenced to nine days in jail.
- Erivo and Grande were “terrified” and Erivo said she pushed Wen because “he wouldn’t let go” of Grande.
- Social media responses included suggestions that Erivo was Grande’s “bodyguard,” which Erivo objected to.
- Erivo said the mockery focused on her physique, shape, baldness, and appearance, with assumptions that she was “bigger” and had to protect Grande.
- She stated: “I just felt like my humanity had been bastardised” and that she did not want to campaign for Oscars as a result.
- The first *Wicked* film earned $765m in worldwide box office and won two Oscars; the sequel earned $541m and received no Oscar nominations.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Cynthia Erivo – actor, star of *Wicked: For Good*
- Ariana Grande – actor, co-star in *Wicked: For Good*
- Johnson Wen – individual who invaded the red carpet
Sources: The Guardian
