Universal Studios has responded to claims Ariana Grande was paid $14 million more than Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo.
The highly anticipated musical fantasy film, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,’ explores Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and her complex relationship with Glinda the Good Witch.
The film’s cast includes prominent names such as Erivo, Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathon Bailey, and Ethan Slater, setting the stage for what promises to be a blockbuster.
However, the movie hasn’t been without controversy.
Now Universal has been forced to address a rumor of a shocking pay difference between the film’s leads.
Rumors have circulated on social media, alleging Grande was paid $15 million for her role as Glinda, while Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, earned just $1 million.
One such TikTok video claimed: “NO because the pay gap between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is INSANE. Ariana Grande paid 15 million, whilst Cynthia Erivo paid a measly one million for Wicked, when in my opinion – both had identical roles.”
Fans of the musical have expressed outrage over this claim, pointing out that Elphaba’s character is arguably more central to the story, given that Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West.
A Universal representative has now responded to such claims and clarified the situation.
The rep told The Hollywood Reporter: “Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder. The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.”
Multiple sources close to the production have supported this statement, confirming that there was no discrepancy in pay between the two stars.
Some social media users have since reflected on how quickly the false information spread.
One TikToker remarked: “Whoever started that rumor probably did it for clicks, likes, and views. The reason why the rumor spread so much was because it was very believable.”
While the allegations were unfounded, the controversy highlights broader concerns regarding pay inequality in the entertainment industry.
The same TikToker pointed to other instances where Black actors were underpaid compared to their white counterparts, concluding: “So while the directors of Wicked did what needed to be done, there are a lot who would not do the same. So don’t spread lies, but don’t forget this is America.”
Since its premiere on November 22, Wicked has made a major impact at the b
