SZA Calls Out Misogynoir After Cynthia Erivo Mocked for Protecting Ariana Grande

SZA is calling for an end to the heavy criticism aimed at Cynthia Erivo. The singer says the actor has been dealing with what she describes as “classic misogynoir” while promoting the film Wicked: For Good, and she believes the online treatment has gone too far.

Her comments came after she reacted to an Instagram reel posted on November 28. The video, created by an account known as thefilmdiva, talked about the harsh jokes and negativity Erivo has been receiving during the movie’s press tour. Many online memes have targeted the actor, including ones that distort her appearance or mock her behavior during public events.

One clip that has been widely shared shows Erivo stepping in to protect Ariana Grande when a stranger rushed toward the singer at an event in Singapore. Instead of praising the moment, many users turned it into a joke, which the content creator said carried “underlying tones of racism.”

SZA strongly agreed with that point. In her comment, she wrote, “It’s CLASSIC Misogynoir! NOTHING ELSE !!! can’t believe it’s openly a thing in 2025.” She also warned that people might later look back with regret, adding, “everyone’s gonna have cognitive dissonance 2 years later… it could jus stop now lol.”

This isn’t the first time SZA has defended Erivo. Earlier this year, a debate started when Erivo appeared on British GQ’s Men of the Year list. SZA, who was also honored in the U.S. version of the issue, pushed back at critics by pointing out that the award title is just a category name, not a gender label. As she put it, “It’s the category name .. not an identity.. I’m sorry but this is a non topic.”

SZA says she wants the attacks on Erivo to stop, especially when they appear rooted in prejudice rather than genuine criticism.

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