Ariana Grande was paid $14 million more than Wicked co star Cynthia Erivo, says Universal Studios.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron’s planned musical fantasy film loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is being billed as the origin story of Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West and the equally complex relationship she has with Glinda the Good Witch.
Prominent names include Erivo, Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathon Bailey and Ethan Slater, which means cameras will be rolling on what will almost certainly be a hit.
However, the movie hasn’t come without controversy.
But now Universal has had to respond to a rumor about a shocking pay discrepancy between the film’s leads.
Social media has been buzzing with rumors that Grande was paid $15 million for Glinda, and that Erivo, Elphaba, was only paid $1 million.
One such TikTok video claimed: “NO because the pay gap between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is INSANE. Ariana Grande paid 15 million, whilst Cynthia Erivo paid a measly one million for Wicked, when in my opinion – both had identical roles.”
But one TikTok video actually argued: “NO because the pay gap between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo is INSANE. Cynthia Erivo paid a measly one million for Wicked, when in my opinion – both had identical roles – while Ariana Grande paid 15 million.”
Fans of the musical have expressed outrage over this claim, pointing out that Elphaba’s character is arguably more central to the story, given that Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West.
This is unacceptable to fans of the musical, who point out that the Elphaba character is arguably the most important in the story, as Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz telling how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West.
Responding to such claims, a Universal representative has now clarified the situation.
“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder,” the rep told The Hollywood Reporter. “They gave women equal pay for work on Wicked.”
This statement was supported by multiple sources close to production that there was not pay discrepancy between the two stars.
Since then, some social media users have pondered how quickly the misinformation took hold.
‘Whoever started that rumor did it for clicks, likes, views,’ remarked another TikToker. “It was very believable so it spread so much.”
Though the allegations ended with nothing, the issue brings focus to another face of malpractice in the entertainment industry; equal pay.
It’s not the first instance of Black actors being underpaid to white counterparts, and the same TikToker pointed to other examples, concluding ‘so while the directors of Wicked did what they had to do, there are many who would not.’. You don’t spread lies, but don’t forget: This is America.”
Since Wicked’s premiere on November 22, the musical has also been a box office juggernaut, reportedly earning $164.2 million worldwide in its opening weekend.
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