Wicked Pay dispute False

Universal Studios has refuted online rumors suggesting a pay gap between the lead actors in the upcoming film "Wicked." Reports had circulated that Ariana Grande was paid $15 million, while Cynthia Erivo received only $1 million. The studio issued a statement clarifying that both actresses received equal compensation for their roles. Additionally, the studio dismissed claims that Erivo's salary was comparable to the reported earnings of Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum in other projects.

“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder,” a spokesperson for Universal wrote in an official statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.”

Rumors of pay disparity between the film's co-leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, spread rapidly across social media platforms like Reddit and X, prompting some news outlets to pick up the story. Universal Studios, however, has refuted these claims as entirely false.

While both actresses are considered co-leads, Erivo's campaign for this awards season is focused on lead acting categories, whereas Grande's is focused on supporting roles.