Cynthia Erivo hugged her co-star Ariana Grande as the hitmaker weighed in on the controversy over fans' memes of a Wicked poster.
Wicked stars were among those in attendance at the Academy of Motion Picture Museum's fourth annual gala. Los Angeles on Saturday.
After Cynthia, 37, expressed her anger over the “offensive” edits made by fans, the duo stormed out, accusing them of “destroying” her.
Speaking to Variety at the gala, Ariana, 31, backed Cynthia's stance and criticized her use of AI as “conflicting and concerning.”
After Saturday's show, Cynthia appeared dejected as Ariana comforted her backstage amid the controversy.
Cynthia Erivo got a hug from her co-star Ariana Grande in Los Angeles as the troubled hitmaker weighed in on the Wicked poster AI memes controversy on Saturday.
The stars of Wicked were among those in attendance at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' fourth annual gala in Los Angeles on Saturday.
“I think it's very complicated because I found that AI can be very confrontational and problematic at times, but I think it's a big adjustment period,” Ariana told a reporter about the drama surrounding the poster memes.
“It's something bigger than us, the fans will have fun and make their edits.”
When asked if memes sometimes go too far, he said: “I think so.” I have great respect for my sister Cynthia and I love her very much.
'It's a big period of adaptation. It's very evocative of something much bigger than ourselves.
Cynthia recently criticized a certain edited Wicked poster that an Ariana fan made to look like the original West End poster.
The actress took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to repost the edited version and recently released the poster of her new film, which is a remake of the theatrical version.
She wrote: “This is the most cruel and offensive cock I have ever seen.”
Cynthia compared it to the questions she was sent about her green skin in the movie.
After Cynthia, 37, expressed her anger over fans' “offensive” edits, the duo stormed out, accusing them of “destroying” her.
Speaking to Variety at the gala, Ariana, 31, backed Cynthia's stance and criticized her use of AI as “conflicting and concerning.”
Speaking to Variety at the gala, Ariana, 31, backed Cynthia's stance and criticized her use of AI as “conflicting and concerning.”
“I think it's very complicated because I think AI is very conflicted and problematic at times, but I think it's a big adjustment period,” Ariana told a reporter about the drama surrounding the poster memes.
Cynthia performed for the audience at the gala in Los Angeles.
When asked if memes sometimes go too far, he said: “I think so.” I have great respect for my sister Cynthia and I love her very much.'
She continued: 'It's not fun at all. There is nothing pretty about it. It humiliates me. It degrades us.
'The original poster is an illustration. I'm a real-life human being and I chose to look straight down the barrel of the camera for you, the viewer… because we communicate with our eyes, without words.'
The talented actress then described the differences between the original musical version and the stage version.
“Our poster is not a tribute, nor an imitation,” he added, before adding: “Editing my face and hiding my eyes is destroying me. It's very painful…'
He later posted another Instagram story with the official poster.
“Putting this here,” Cynthia wrote above the image with two green hearts. 'Remind them to clean their plates.'
The difference between the two films is in the official poster, you can see Erivo's face and she is looking directly into the camera.
In the stage version of Wicked and fan art, Elbaba has a hat pulled down over his eyes and nose and wears a smile on his face with red lipstick.
Cynthia recently criticized a specially edited Wicked poster featuring her and co-star Ariana, where a fan made it look like the original West End poster (both photographed with co-star Jeff Goldblum).
“Our poster is not a tribute, nor an imitation,” he added, before adding: “Editing my face and hiding my eyes is destroying me. And it hurts a lot'
Ariana shared the official version of the poster on her Instagram Stories and opened up about her Academy Award-winning co-star moving away from EGOT status.
'I love you @cynthiaerivo and can't wait for the world to experience your absolute and utter magnificence… I say.' I love you, here!'
Cynthia later responded via Instastory: 'What a moment @arianagrande. What a miracle we lived together!
'I can't wait for you and people to be impressed by your love and concern for Glinda (actually Elfie). Now is the time. I got you. I love you.'
