Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande ‘Wicked’ pay gap rumor debunked

CNN
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Some on social media have said that Ariana Grande was paid more for “Wicked” than her co-star Cynthia Erivo, but the film’s studio is setting the record straight.

It has been rumored that Grande was paid as much as $15 million for her role as Glinda, and Erivo received $1 million for playing Elphaba.

But the studio rejects this.

“Reports of salary disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on Internet fodder,” a Universal spokesperson said in a statement shared with multiple outlets. “The women were paid equally for their work on ‘Wicked’.”

CNN has reached out to Universal for comment.

Both women are being praised for their performances in the Jon Chu-directed musical. Audiences have flocked to theaters to enjoy what is the first installment of a planned two-film franchise.

“Wicked” reportedly grossed an estimated $162 million at the box office during the opening weekend.