The set of Wicked has turned into the epicentre of a real-life drama, with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo facing allegations of infidelity.
Fans are scrutinising the timelines of their relationships, accusing the stars of overlapping romances during the film’s production.
ARIANA GRANDE AND CYNTHIA’S RELATIONSHIP STRIFE
Ariana, 31, and Ethan Slater, her co-star in the film, began dating in 2022 while filming in the UK.
Both were reportedly married at the time, according to Daily Mail.
Cynthia, meanwhile, started dating actress Lena Waithe soon after Lena’s divorce. This sparked further speculation about the legitimacy of their timeline.
ARIANA GRANDE AND ETHAN SLATER’S RELATIONSHIP
Fans noticed inconsistencies in Ariana and Ethan’s relationship announcements.
Ariana celebrated her second wedding anniversary with Dalton Gomez in May 2023. She shared a heartfelt post that read, “2” alongside a photo from their wedding.
Yet, by July, her romance with Ethan was public knowledge, according to Marca.
Ethan’s then-wife, Lilly Jay, had also shared a birthday tribute to him just weeks before the couple’s split became known.
ARIANA GRANDE’S FANS REACT
A social media user summed up the scepticism.
“We’re supposed to believe there was no cheating? The timeline just doesn’t add up!”
Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that Ariana’s posts contradicted her claims of separating from Dalton earlier in the year.
Insiders claim that Ariana and Ethan’s relationship was no secret on set, according to The News.
“They were openly affectionate,” a source revealed.
ETHAN SLATER WIFE SPEAKS OUT
Reports suggested that they kissed at a London pub and attended Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar party together in March.
“They didn’t hide it, and the cast was well aware of their romance,” the insider added.
Ethan’s ex-wife, Lilly Jay, opened up about the fallout.
Writing in The Cut, she described the “public downfall” of her marriage as “incredibly painful.”
She lamented, “I never thought I’d get divorced, especially not after having my first child. The promotion of Wicked is a constant reminder of those dark days.”
CYNTHIA AND LENA
Cynthia’s relationship with Lena Waithe has also raised eyebrows. Lena had been married to film executive Alana Mayo, tying the knot in 2019.
However, cheating rumours surrounded the couple, who split a year later.
Cynthia and Lena were first linked in 2018 and were later seen together at various public events, including the Alvin Ailey Spirit Gala.
While neither Cynthia nor Lena has addressed the speculation, fans remain suspicious.
WHISPERS OF INFIDELITY
The timing of their romance shortly after Lena’s divorce has led to whispers of infidelity.
The drama has not gone unnoticed in South Africa. Many have criticised the stars for what some perceive as insensitivity towards their former partners.
Others have drawn comparisons to local celebrity scandals, questioning whether fame excuses questionable behaviour.
“It’s hard not to feel for the exes,” one South African fan remarked. “They didn’t ask to be part of this circus.”
ARIANA GRANDE AND ETHAN SLATER
Amid the scandal, production insiders revealed that the studio instructed Ariana and Ethan to lay low for six months to avoid further backlash.
Fans are already speculating about how the controversy might impact the film’s release, and we will have to wait and see if this strategy works.
As Wicked prepares for its debut, the focus remains on its stars’ off-screen drama rather than the film itself.
Whether the dust will settle or continue to swirl around Grande and Erivo is yet another story to unfold.
DO YOU BELIEVE EITHER OF THESE RELATIONSHIPS INVOLVED INFIDELITY?
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