Cynthia Erivo calls out 'dangerous cyber-bullying' of Ariana Grande as she stands by 'Wicked' co-star

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the blockbuster musical 'Wicked', is standing firmly in support of her co-star Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in the movie, as the pop star faces ongoing criticism about her appearance.

During a panel at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 6, Erivo, 37, addressed the issue of cyber-bullying.

Cynthia Erivo's criticism of cyber-bullying

Speaking about online criticism, Cynthia Erivo said, “Cyber-bullying is quite dangerous. It’s easy to be behind a computer and type words about a person you don’t know.”

The Broadway veteran urged fans to counteract negativity by spreading kindness online. “Be the counterpoint,” Erivo added.

“Be the person who tells the positive. What a person who has never met you thinks is never more important than what you think of yourself,” she noted.

Ariana Grande reflects on years of public scrutiny

Ariana Grande has been candid about the challenges of growing up in the public eye.

Speaking alongside Erivo during the 'Wicked' press tour, she opened up about the impact of relentless comments on her appearance.

“I’ve been doing this in front of the public and been a specimen in a Petri dish really since I was 16 or 17,” Grande said.

“I have heard it all. I’ve heard every version of it. You’re young, and you’re hearing all kinds of things,” the 31-year-old singer shared.

Describing the comments as “dangerous for all parties involved,” Grande noted the universality of such experiences.

“It’s hard to protect yourself from that noise,” she said, according to Daily Mail.

“Even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner and someone’s granny says, ‘Oh my god, you look skinnier, what happened?’ or ‘You look heavier, what happened?’” she explained.

Ariana Grande on finding strength through support and self-love

Ariana Grande credited her close circle for helping her rise above the negativity.

“I’m really lucky to have the support system that I have and to just know and trust that I’m beautiful,” she shared.

However, the pressure of public scrutiny has been a constant presence in her life since her teenage years. “I just don’t invite it in anymore,” Grande said.

“I have work to do, I have a life to live, I have friends to love on. I have so much love. It’s not invited, so I don’t leave space for it anymore,” she continued.

She also encouraged others to prioritize their mental health and well-being.

“You keep yourself safe because no one has the right to say s**t,” Grande emphasized.