Rumors of a significant pay gap between Wicked stars Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo have circulated online following the film’s release. Unverified claims suggested that Grande-Butera received $15 million for her role as Galinda, while Erivo was paid just $1 million for portraying Elphaba. These allegations quickly gained traction across various news outlets, fueling public speculation.
However, Universal Studios has now officially addressed these rumors. A spokesperson for the studio told that the claims of pay inequality were “completely false and based on internet fodder.” The statement confirmed that both actors were paid equally for their roles, with multiple sources supporting the studio’s stance.
The Power of Internet Rumors
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the pay disparity rumors spread rapidly online, fueled by the success of Wicked at the box office. Given the scale of the musical’s production, it seemed particularly concerning if the leads were paid unequally. This incident highlights the ease with which misinformation can spread across digital platforms, especially when it touches on sensitive topics like pay equity in Hollywood.
Universal’s Financial Logic
Universal also highlighted the studio’s significant investment in Wicked, with a reported $350 million allocated to the two-part musical. Given such a major financial commitment, it would be counterproductive to pay one of the lead actors significantly less than the other. While Hollywood is no stranger to pay disparities, the unsubstantiated nature of the rumors made it clear that the claims were likely false, and the studio’s confirmation was anticipated.
The Significance of Universal’s Response
While the pay disparity rumors were unfounded, Universal’s swift response was important in setting the record straight. By addressing the issue head-on, the studio not only refuted the false claims but also emphasized the equal contribution of both Grande-Butera and Erivo to the film’s success. With Wicked already proving to be a box office hit, this clarification further strengthens the musical’s positive public reception.
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