Universal responds to claims Ariana Grande was paid $14,000,000 more than Cynthia Erivo for Wicked

Wicked fans have been flooding to social media in a frenzy over unsubstantiated reports that stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were paid vastly different sums for the film.

In the film adaptation of the popular musical, Ariana Grande plays the role of Glinda, and Cynthia Erivo the role of Elphaba. As anyone who's seen the musical will know, both star very much alongside one another and, if anything, Elphaba is more of the main role - Wicked acting as a prequel story to The Wizard of Oz showing how Elphaba became known as the Wicked Witch of the West.

Naturally, given the pair co-star equally as prominent roles - if not Erivo more so - you'd expect them to be paid the same for their involvement in the film.

However, various figures started emerging on TikTok ,claiming Grande earned '$14 million more' than Erivo for her role in Wicked.

One video claimed Erivo was being paid $1 million for the movie and Grande a whopping $15 million.

Another TikToker said: "NO because The pay gap between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is INSANE. Ariana Grande paid 15 million, whilst Cynthia Erivo paid a measly one million for wicked, when in my opinion - both had identical roles. ICL Any OG Cynthia supporter/ follower would be appalled at this are you joking?"

However, a spokesperson for Universal has since addressed the alleged controversy.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were paid the same for their roles in 'Wicked,' a spokesperson for Universal says (Universal)

A spokesperson for the production company told The Hollywood Reporter: "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."

And the spokesperson's statement has been backed up by several other sources reportedly close to to the situation.

A TikToker has since reflected: "Whoever started that rumor probably did it for clicks, likes and views. [...] I'm not going to lie to you guys, the reason why the rumor spread so much was because it was very believable."

The rumors may not be true, but the fact they were so believable points to a wider, continued issue in the industry, as a TikToker notes (Universal)

The TikToker referred to another film in which a Black actor was paid far less than her white co-stars, before resolving: "So while the directors of Wicked did what needed to be done there are a lot who would not do the same. So don't spread lies, but don't forget this is America."

Since its release in the US and UK on 22 November, Wicked has shattered box office records, raking in a whopping $164.2 million worldwide on its opening weekend.

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