Cynthia Erivo hits out at ‘dangerous’ cyber-bullying after Ariana Grande cruelly subjected to online abuse: ‘Y’all don’t know what Ariana has been passing through 😭 it’s easy to be behind the computer and type words about a person you don’t know anything about, the fact is that Ariana has been diagnosed of… See more

Cynthia Erivo has called out cyber-bullying in response to the negative online discourse aimed at Wicked costar Ariana Grande, branding the trolling ‘dangerous.’

The Elphaba actress, 37, stars opposite the Side to Side singer, 31, in the newly released musical adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu.

During a recent appearance at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, Cynthia was asked about the online negativity that has been aimed at Ariana over the course of the press run for the movie.

The conversation came after Ariana herself said that commenting on people’s appearance ‘dangerous.’

‘I think cyber bullying is quite dangerous to be honest because it’s easy to be behind the computer and type words about a person you don’t know anything about,’ Cynthia said.

‘I think that the more we can protect ourselves from that the better… the best way to support someone who is going through that is really to be a counterpoint to whatever is coming at that person – be the voice that is positive.’

Cynthia added: ‘We decided that we were going to make sure we protected each other, that we were kind to one another, that we were going to work with each other and build a relationship, which meant that when we were on set, we both felt really safe to play and to do the roles as we needed.’

Earlier this week, a defiant Ariana revealed how she shields herself from the societal pressure to appear perfect.

While promoting Wicked alongside Cynthia, the singer was asked by French influencer and journalist how she ‘copes’ with criticism of her appearance and beauty standards in general.

The question struck a chord with Ariana, who paused momentarily to gather her thoughts and seemingly hold back tears.

Ariana, whose recent apparent weight loss has sparked concern from fans as of late, said she’s been dealing with the ‘noise’ since she was a teenager – however she’s since learned to tune out the critics by leaning into her work and friends.

‘I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public… a specimen in a petri dish really since I was 16 or 17. So I have heard it all,’ she said.

‘I’ve heard every version of it, of what’s wrong with me. And then you fix it and then it’s wrong for different reasons but that’s everything from even just the simple thing, your appearance, you’re young and you’re hearing all those things.

‘It’s hard to protect yourself from that noise. And it’s something that’s uncomfortable no matter what scale you’re experiencing on.’

No matter where the comment originates from, Ariana insists it’s all difficult to deal with, even if it’s from a family member.

‘Even if you go to Thanksgiving dinner and someone’s granny says, “Oh my God you look skinnier! What happened?” or “You look heavier! What happened?” That is something that is uncomfortable and horrible no matter where it’s happening, no matter the scale it’s happening on.

‘I think in today’s society there’s a comfortability that we shouldn’t have at all.

‘Commenting on other’s looks, appearance, what they think is going on behind the scenes, or health, or how they present themselves.

‘From what you’re wearing to your body to your face to your everything.’

She defiantly called the ‘comfortability’ people have with ‘commenting’ on people’s appearance ‘dangerous.’

‘There’s a comfortability that people have commenting on that that I think is really dangerous. And I think it’s dangerous for all parties involved,’ she said.

The interview comes after Ariana sparked concern over her new blonde, slimmed down look with fans expressing fears she looked ‘very fragile.’