Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande ‘semi-binary’ rumours explained after star finally addresses ‘lovers’ claims

Last week, Cynthia Erivo finally shut down the never-ending rumours of a secret romance between herself and her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande.

While most fans know that the British actress, 39, and American star, 32, are simply really good friends, a small minority have pushed the theory that there's a relationship going on behind closed doors.

Not only is this disrespectful to the leading ladies, who play Elphaba and Glinda in the beloved movies, but also to their respective partners, Lena Waithe and Ethan Slater.

Grande has been with Slater since July 2023, and Erivo has been romantically linked to Lena Waithe since 2018; however, they have not publicly confirmed their romance.

The secret relationship rumours stem from how close the actresses have been during both Wicked press tours, as they're often seen holding hands during interviews and on the red carpet.

In December, the conspiracy was ramped up when fake posts spreading misinformation began emerging, claiming Grande and Erivo are in a 'non-demi-curious semi-binary relationship'.

In December, the Wicked stars were faced with misinformation about them spreading on the internet (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures)

The caption of the post even included a completely made-up quote from Erivo, which read: "It means we are not actually a couple, but we are curious about what that could mean and everything."

The claim was quickly debunked, despite spreading like wildfire across the internet, and it came to light that it actually originated from a satire page on Facebook.

However, the fake news report had already been posted on numerous social media platforms by then, leaving people well and truly confused.

One X user penned: "What in the hell is a 'non-demi curious, semi binary' relationship?"

While a second added: "Wtf does non-Demi curious semi-binary relationship even mean??? Seriously? What the heck does that mean? They’re girlfriends? No biggie but I have no understanding of that mouthful of a non-explanation. What does it even mean???"

Now, as we say, Erivo has firmly shut down the rumour mill and called out how people can't seem to grasp that two women can be close friends without being romantically involved.

Erivo has firmly shut down the rumour mill (Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)

In a new interview with Stylist Magazine, the actress spoke out on the bizarre claims for the first time.

She explained: "At first, I think people didn’t understand how it was possible for two women to be friends - close - and not lovers.

"I’ve never really spoken about this, but there was this strange fascination with the two of us, where people either thought we were putting it on for the cameras or that we were lovers."

Erivo also touched on how their connection seemingly makes people feel 'uncomfortable' as they're not used to seeing deep platonic female friendship on camera.

She added: "And I think it’s because there’s such little conversation around platonic female friendship that is deep and real, even though it exists everywhere.

"We’re not used to seeing it on camera, in front of people. A relationship where people are connected sometimes just makes people uncomfortable; we aren’t taught that those relationships are good for us."