Universal Pictures has dismissed rumors claiming Ariana Grande was paid $14 million more than Cynthia Erivo for their roles in the upcoming Wicked movie adaptation. The controversy began on TikTok, where users alleged that Grande received $15 million for her role as Glinda, while Erivo, who plays Elphaba, earned only $1 million. The claims quickly gained traction, sparking outrage among fans of the stars and broader discussions about equity in Hollywood.
A Universal spokesperson has categorically denied these reports, calling them “completely false and based on internet fodder.” They clarified, “The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.” This statement has been corroborated by additional sources close to the production, aiming to put the rumors to rest.
Despite the clarification, the incident has reignited conversations about wage disparities in the entertainment industry. One TikToker noted that while the claims about Wicked may be untrue, such gaps have occurred in other projects, particularly affecting Black actors compared to their white counterparts.
Since its opening, Wicked has been a massive success, breaking box office records with $164.2 million in global earnings during its debut weekend. The pay controversy now appears to be more of a reflection of ongoing systemic issues in Hollywood rather than specific missteps in this production.
