Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo address Wicked poster backlash
- Cynthia Erivo criticized a fan-modified Wicked poster as offensive and degrading to her image.
- Ariana Grande expressed her complicated feelings about AI-generated content during the Academy Museum Gala.
- The controversy highlights the need for respect toward artists and understanding of fan modifications.
In October 2024, Ariana Grande expressed her mixed feelings about a fan-modified version of the Wicked movie poster during the Academy Museum Gala in the United States. This discussion was triggered by Cynthia Erivo, Grande's co-star, who labeled the fan-edited poster as the 'most offensive thing' she had encountered. The fan's alteration aimed to mirror the original Broadway musical poster but significantly deviated by altering facial features, specifically Erivo's eyes and lip color, which she found degrading. Erivo emphasized the importance of respecting the visual representation of individuals in promotional materials, arguing that modifying her image undermines her identity and hurtfully erases her presence. Grande acknowledged the complexities surrounding artificial intelligence and fan engagement in artistic expressions, noting the need for a collective adjustment to evolving norms. Their insights highlighted the broader implications of fan interpretations and the respect owed to artists in creative projects.