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

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 Wicked 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 Variety 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 (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 wrote on X.

"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."