Ariana Grande weighs in on Cynthia Erivo's criticism of fan-edited Wicked content: "It's very complicated"

Los Angeles, California - , the pop icon and star of the upcoming Wicked , opened up about her co-star Cynthia Erivo's recent criticism of fan-edited posters and AI content.

Ariana Grande (r.) opened up about Cynthia Erivo's (l.) criticism of the fan-edited Wicked posters. © Collage: Amy Sussman & Emma McIntyre / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Last week, Cynthia took to Instagram to condemn a fan-edited poster that hid her face with Elphaba's witch hat, an edit seemingly done to make the official Wicked movie poster look more like the stylized version from the Broadway show.

Cynthia also mentioned a viral AI-generated animation depicting a violent fight between her and Ariana as their characters.

"None of this is funny. None of it is cute... it degrades me," she wrote in the Insta post.

Speaking exclusively at the Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Ari told how she felt about the situation.

"It's such a massive adjustment period," she stated, acknowledging the issues presented by AI in the modern age.

The 31-year-old continued, "This is something that is so much bigger than us, and the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits."

But does she think some fans may have crossed the line?

Ariana Grande shares her opinion on ‘Wicked’ fan edits to Variety. pic.twitter.com/RtAQDrsPj4

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 20, 2024

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo get into a tussle on set on WICKED pic.twitter.com/i4nKXusOTO

— ☀️ (@AG7Source) October 13, 2024

Will Ariana and Cynthia record original music together after Wicked? Ariana Grande (l.) said that her and Cynthia Erivo will "absolutely" make original music together. © EMMA MCINTYRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

When asked if she thinks some fans went too far with the edits, Ariana admitted, "I think so."

"I have so much respect for my sister Cynthia, and I love her so much," she concluded, conceding that it's more than the two can control.

The eternal sunshine singer was also asked about the possibility of collaborating with the Tony Award-winning performer, an idea fans are obsessed with.

"Omg we cannot wait to hear, I admire their friendship so much!" one on X.

Ariana Grande tells Variety she and Cynthia Erivo will “absolutely” record original music together after ‘Wicked.’ pic.twitter.com/eJhhLrJjp7

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 20, 2024

"I love being in the studio with her," she said.

She added, "I think we are stuck with each other, professionally and personally for the rest of our lives. So I would say absolutely."