Universal Pictures has recently responded to a viral rumor claiming that Ariana Grande was paid $15 million for her role in the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation,
while her co-star Cynthia Erivo received just $1 million. The rumor quickly gained traction online, sparking debates about pay disparities in Hollywood.
Universal has now stepped in to clarify the situation, stating that the information circulating was inaccurate.
According to the studio, both Grande and Erivo were compensated fairly and equitably for their roles in the movie, and the pay disparity alleged in the rumor is simply untrue.
The viral rumor caused an uproar among fans and industry observers, especially considering the ongoing discussions about gender and racial pay gaps in Hollywood.
Ariana Grande, a well-established pop star and actress, and Cynthia Erivo, an acclaimed performer and Tony Award winner, both bring significant talent and star power to the Wicked film.
The two are set to portray the lead roles of Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in the adaptation of the popular Broadway musical. Given their respective levels of fame and experience, many assumed that there might be a significant difference in their pay. However, Universal’s statement suggests that the compensation for both stars was handled with fairness and mutual respect.
In response to the controversy, Universal emphasized that both Grande and Erivo are highly valued members of the Wicked cast and that any discrepancies in pay reported in the media are false. The studio acknowledged the importance of ensuring that both women are properly recognized for their talents and contributions to the project. While exact details of the actors’ salaries were not disclosed, Universal made it clear that the two performers were treated equitably. The studio’s response appears to be an effort to quell the public outrage sparked by the rumors and restore confidence in their handling of the casting process.
Cynthia Erivo, who is known for her powerful performances on stage and screen, has also addressed the issue in the past. She has been an outspoken advocate for equal pay and representation in Hollywood, especially for people of color. Erivo’s fans rallied behind her, expressing concern over the potential for pay inequality between her and her white co-star. However, the actress has remained focused on her work, expressing her excitement about her role in Wicked and her commitment to the project. The controversy surrounding the rumored pay gap may have been a momentary distraction, but it has sparked broader conversations about industry standards and the need for transparency and fairness in pay for actors of all backgrounds.
Ultimately, while the rumor about the pay disparity between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has been debunked, it highlights the ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry when it comes to compensation and representation. Both Grande and Erivo are talented performers who bring immense value to the Wicked project, and Universal’s response serves as an attempt to address concerns about fairness. As the film continues to generate excitement, the focus will likely return to the performances and the much-anticipated adaptation, with hopes that the controversy surrounding the pay rumor will fade into the background.
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