The speculation surrounding Cynthia Erivo’s girlfriend, Lena Waithe, and her supposed dislike for Ariana Grande has certainly stirred up some buzz among Wicked fans. While Cynthia and Lena have been dating since early 2022 and kept their relationship relatively private, the dynamics between the trio—especially with Grande playing Glinda in the Wicked film adaptation—have fueled online gossip.
Fans on social media, particularly TikTok users, have pointed out various cryptic social media posts and interactions that they believe hint at tension between Waithe and Grande. One particularly eye-catching moment involved Waithe allegedly sharing a photo edit of Paul Mescal and Ariana Grande, where Mescal reportedly said, “I’m watching you guys in the press tour,” followed by Grande’s response, “Insufferable, yes.” This post seemed to raise eyebrows, with some fans interpreting it as a subtle dig.
Additionally, there were mentions of Waithe engaging with a photo of Grande photobombing someone on the red carpet, adding more fuel to the rumor mill. The rumors intensified after Grande shared an affectionate post about Cynthia Erivo, calling her “sister,” which led some fans to wonder if the term was meant to underscore the connection between Grande and Erivo—possibly making Waithe feel excluded or uncomfortable.
One TikTok user also referenced a quote from Waithe’s social media, which they interpreted as a sign that things might not be entirely smooth between Waithe and Erivo, suggesting that there may be some tension beneath the surface.
However, as with many celebrity rumors, it’s hard to discern fact from speculation. The truth behind the alleged tension between Waithe and Grande remains unclear, and fans will likely continue to speculate until more information comes to light. In the meantime, Wicked: Part Two is eagerly anticipated, with both Erivo and Grande set to reprise their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in November 2025, guaranteeing that their dynamic will remain under the spotlight.