Cynthia Erivo Defended Herself Against MAGA Types Complaining That She Was Cast In "Wicked" Because She's Black

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"There have definitely been conversations about me getting this role as a 'woke hire.'"

Listen, we unfortunately share this hunk of rock with a lot of hateful idiots. You know that. It's how we got to some people complaining that the movie Wicked was too "woke."

Two women in fantasy attire look upward. One wears a witch hat, the other a pastel dress. The scene suggests a magical or theatrical setting

One of the more nefarious implications is that Cynthia Erivo landed the role of Elphaba because she is Black. You know, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo. Who has had an extensive career on stage and screen.

Person on a red carpet in a green, fringed gown with a matching coat, posing in front of movie posters

In a new interview with Elle UK, Cynthia said, "There have definitely been conversations about me getting this role as a 'woke hire.'"

Person on red carpet in strapless dress showing ornate, long manicure and jeweled rings, wearing unique lion-themed necklace and nose ring

"I had to audition, just like everybody else. And I’m glad I had to do that," she added. "I have the credentials for it. I’ve done the work. But I’m glad they got to be sure about the choice. It allows me to take this, and to know that I had to work really hard for it."

Person dressed as a fictional witch, with green makeup and a black hat, in a movie scene

Elsewhere in the interview, Cynthia spoke about opting for practical makeup for the role. "I was conscious that I didn’t want to erase the thing that I am underneath the green," she explained. "For me, it was about using my own experience as the 'other,' as someone who exists in that way. So, that’s partially the reason why Elphaba has braids, as opposed to straight hair. It’s the reason why she has long nails."

Person with green skin, wearing a black outfit and glasses, stands in front of a group of people in blue uniforms

"I think, because Elphaba’s otherness is about the colour of her skin, I immediately feel connected to it as a Black woman," she continued. "The beauty is that it connects with anyone who feels like they’re the other – whether they are Black, whether they are queer, or whether they are just... different."

Two characters dressed as witches, one in dark clothing with a pointy hat and green makeup, the other in light dress with long blonde hair, smiling

You can read the full interview here.

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