Cynthia Erivo addresses viral ‘sex cardigan’ for first time

Warning: This article includes spoilers for Wicked: For Good

It's happened guys - Cynthia Erivo has broken her silence on the viral Wicked 'sex cardigan'.

To explain, for those who are yet to see Wicked: For Good and have no idea what we're talking about, one scene in particular got everyone talking.

We're, of course, talking about when Elphaba (Erivo) and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) got cosy in her treehouse lair and shared a passionate smooch.

After leaving poor Glinda (Ariana Grande) behind, the duo fled to Elphaba's woodland home and ahem, got it on while singing 'As Long as You're Mine'.

Now, before parents start panicking, we don't actually see anything, just a kiss and then the two of them waking up in bed together the next day, with Fiyero shirtless.

But what actually drew the most attention was Elphaba's choice of attire - a raggedy grey cardigan thrown on over some black lingerie.

The detail quickly went viral, with fans hilariously dubbing it 'Elphaba's sex cardigan'.

And now as we say, Cynthia Erivo herself has commented on the headline-making outfit choice.

As per PEOPLE Magazine, at an Airbnb event, the actress, 38, explained how the knitwear is more than just a 'sex cardigan' - it helps reveal a more vulnerable side of her character.

She explained: "I just wanted to present an opportunity to see this character who everybody at this point has seen as this strong fighting woman, who is the wicked witch, as someone who could actually be on her own.

"I just wanted something that removed the armour for a second and yes, shows you a more sensual, more connected side of her."

She clarified that the intention was 'not to turn her into a sexual object' but to 'make her a soft human being that could be worthy of being loved and having an intimate moment with someone.

That's beautiful'.

And Erivo is not the only one who's seen the cardigan buzz and issued a response, as Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell also shared his thoughts in a recent interview with NPR.

He explained: "It came out of very literally an organic decision of what does Elphaba have access to. And living alone, what choice would she make when she's looking for a robe, some way to be protective and warm?"

Elphaba was taking no chances when Fiyero got in that treehouse. Broke out the good lingerie and her sex cardigan. pic.twitter.com/hIZEVoBr8A

— Karl Delossantos (@karl_delo) November 21, 2025

“It's operating as her robe for that moment. She's got a loom in her treehouse, where she's weaving her own clothing. She's manifesting all these things from the elements that are around her, and the sweater is just in keeping with that."

The costumer designer outlined how it was the most realistic choice for her character.

He continued: "Now indeed, you could say, Well, why wasn't it a black, slinky peignoir? But where would she get ... that? Well why would she even have it?

"I think that it just follows through with reasonable choices that define who a character is and what is important for them, where their priorities are."

Tazewell added: "I see my work as a costume designer to be one of a storyteller, and I'm telling a silent story. It reveals itself adjacent to the performances of the characters."