SZA Stands Up Against Online Bullying of Cynthia Erivo During ‘Wicked’ Launch: A Discussion on Misogynoir
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SZA has publicly defended actress Cynthia Erivo against a wave of recent online bullying directed at the Wicked star.
In the comments of a recent Instagram video addressing the barrage of posts mocking Erivo’s appearance and actions—such as her defense of Ariana Grande from a red-carpet intruder in Singapore—SZA emphasized the inappropriateness of the criticism. “It’s CLASSIC Misogynoir!” she stated. “NOTHING ELSE!!!”
The singer further expressed disbelief at the open hostility, remarking, “can’t believe it’s openly a thing in 2025. Everyone’s gonna have cognitive dissonance 2 years later like ‘remember when everyone attacked Cynthia for being black bald and nurturing?… that was crazy’ ..it could jus stop now lol.”
Misogynoir refers to the intersection of racism and sexism that Black women often face. According to Merriam-Webster, the term signifies a “hatred of, aversion to, or prejudice against Black women.”
Both Grande and Erivo have encountered significant scrutiny regarding their appearances during the promotional period for Wicked: For Good. However, the vitriol aimed at Erivo has been particularly distressing, bearing deep-seated racist undertones. Online trolls have targeted her physique, often depicting it in a distorted and overly masculine frame, a reflection of a broader societal tendency to undermine the femininity of Black women.
Erivo has faced these challenges throughout her career. In a June cover story with Billboard, she noted her exclusion from sensual or sexual role opportunities, stating, “Honestly, you rarely get that opportunity as Black women anyway. So I was just like, ‘Well, if I don’t put it in my own music, I’ll never get to put it anywhere else.’”
Despite the noise, Erivo has cultivated resilience over the years, a protective measure essential for a Black, queer woman in the entertainment industry. “I can’t change a person’s opinion of me; if they want to feel some way, there is nothing I can do about that,” she shared in her Billboard interview. “But I was so excited about being able to at least be one more face where someone could say, ‘Oh, my God, she did it and can still do it. She’s still creating, she’s still making. So maybe I can also do the same.’”
