Kristin Chenoweth Responds to Ariana Grande’s ‘Glinda Might Be a Little in the Closet’ Quote

Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda in Evil on Broadway in 2003, responded to Ariana Grande’s recent comment that Glinda in the new Evil film “might be a bit in the closet.”

While speaking to the British outlet Gay Times for a video interview published on Friday, November 21, Grande and Evil costar Cynthia Erivo shared their thoughts on their character’s sexuality.

“I think Elphie, she goes wherever the wind blows,” Erivo, 37, said of her character Elphaba. “I think she loves Glinda. I think she loves love. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection that they both have,” adding that their characters have a ” unbreakable bond.”

“And trust and truth,” Grande, 31, chimed in. “Just such a safe space for each other, which is what all relationships should be, whether it’s romantic or platonic.” The pop star then said: “Glinda might be a bit in the closet. You never know!”

Chenoweth, 56, agreed: “I thought that too way back when…” the actress commented on a Instagram post on Friday.

In the same Gay Times clip, Grande noted that the connection between Glinda and Elphaba “is just a true love, and I think it transcends sexuality. It’s just a deep security in each other, which is why they (the fans) probably ‘ship it’.” ”

Evil – an iconic Broadway show-turned-film – tells the origin story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The story reveals that Elphaba and Glinda were once best friends before events beyond their control forced them in drastically different directions – turning Elphaba into the “wicked” witch audiences know from The The Wizard of Oz.

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Off-screen, Grande and Erivo have displayed a close friendship in real life, attending press events in coordinated outfits and showing support for each other in times of need.

Evil is directed by Jon M. Chu and also stars Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage and Michelle Yeoh.

The film will be released in two parts, and the first part is in theaters now.