In response to the growing speculation, Universal Studios stepped forward to set the record straight. A representative from the studio issued a formal statement to The Hollywood Reporter, firmly denying the claims and dismissing them as unfounded. The spokesperson clarified: “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 closely associated with the production have since corroborated Universal’s statement, confirming that both Grande and Erivo were compensated equally for their roles, and there was no imbalance in their respective earnings.
Despite the clarification, some social media users reflected on how rapidly misinformation had spread across platforms. One TikTok commenter stated, “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 this particular controversy has been debunked, it reignited a broader conversation around wage disparities and systemic inequity within the entertainment industry. The same social media user further elaborated, emphasizing that historical examples exist where Black actors received significantly lower pay compared to their white counterparts, shedding light on a long-standing issue that still warrants attention.
They concluded, “While the directors of Wicked did what needed to be done in this case, there are still many who would not ensure equal pay. So while spreading falsehoods is harmful, it is crucial not to forget that pay inequality remains a serious issue in the entertainment world.”
The discourse surrounding this rumor has sparked essential dialogue about the importance of transparency and fairness in Hollywood, reminding audiences that while this situation was based on misinformation, concerns about equitable compensation remain a relevant issue deserving continued scrutiny.