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29th November 2024
11:01am GMT
Universal Pictures has strongly refuted claims that Ariana Grande was paid significantly more than her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo, calling the reports “completely false”
The rumours began swirling following the release of Wicked in cinemas on Friday, November 22nd.
Some people online suggested that Grande, who plays Glinda the Good Witch, earned $15 million, while Erivo, cast as Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, was paid just $1 million.
“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder,” a Universal spokesperson told Variety in a statement on Tuesday, November 26th.
While the exact salaries were not given, the studio confirmed: “The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.”
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the origin story of Elphaba.
In addition to its staggering commercial success, Wicked has garnered critical acclaim, earning a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The star-studded cast includes Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Jeff Goldblum.
Ariana Grande recently celebrated the film’s release with a heartwarming trip to her hometown of Boca Raton, Florida, where she attended a screening with her 99-year-old grandmother, Marjorie Grande.
“Flew to Boca for a day to watch with Nonna at the movie theatre I grew up going to every weekend, Cinemark 20 in Boca,” Grande shared on Instagram, posting photos of her and her family at the event.
Part one of Wicked is currently in theatres, while part two is set to debut on November 21st, 2025.
