AceShowbiz - When Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande began their journey as Elphaba and Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation of "Wicked", they made a pact to support and protect each other. This bond proved to be crucial as the movie's release brought them into the spotlight, exposing them to the often unkind world of online commentary.

During an appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Erivo addressed the pervasive issue of cyberbullying that has targeted Grande. "I think cyberbullying is quite dangerous, to be honest," Erivo shared. "It's easy to be behind the computer and type words about a person you don't know anything about."

She emphasized the importance of protecting oneself from this digital onslaught, vowing to be a "counterpoint" to negativity and uplifting her co-star.

Grande, who has faced ongoing scrutiny over her personal life and physical appearance, resonated with Erivo's commitment. Grande's response to these invasions of privacy was firm and resolute, "No one has the right to say s**t about my body… there's a comfortability that people have commenting on that, that I think is really dangerous."

Erivo, no stranger to criticism herself, defended not just Grande but also her own portrayal of Elphaba. She spoke passionately about how the color green in "Wicked" symbolizes every person who feels "othered" in society and shared that the character's tears are real, reflecting her personal experiences. "It was important to tell that story and have that as a layer, and I was lucky enough to have a director who allowed me to tell that story," Erivo said.

As the first part of "Wicked" hits theaters, fans eagerly await the second installment slated for November 2025. In the meantime, Erivo and Grande's camaraderie continues to inspire, proving that true friendship can indeed cast a powerful spell.