Universal Studios has addressed the allegations that Ariana Grande was paid $14 million more than her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo.
The highly anticipated musical fantasy film, based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked and L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, delves into Elphaba’s journey to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and her intricate bond with Glinda the Good Witch.
The star-studded cast includes notable names like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Ethan Slater, setting the stage for what is expected to be a blockbuster hit.
However, the movie has not been without controversy. Universal Studios has now been compelled to address rumors surrounding a significant pay disparity between the film’s leading stars.
Rumors have circulated on social media, claiming that Ariana Grande was paid $15 million for her role as Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, reportedly earned only $1 million.
One TikTok video fueled the controversy, stating: “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 voiced their outrage, arguing that Elphaba’s character is arguably more central to the story, especially since Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, delving into how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.
A representative from Universal Studios has now addressed these claims, providing clarification on the situation.
A representative from Universal Studios 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 corroborated this statement, confirming there was no pay discrepancy between the two stars.
In the wake of these clarifications, some social media users have reflected on how quickly false information spread online.
One TikToker commented: “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 proven false, the controversy highlights broader concerns about 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 significant impact at the box office, reportedly earning $164.2 million globally in its opening weekend.
