Challenging Misogynoir: SZA Speaks Out Against Online Attacks on Cynthia Erivo
SZA has spoken out against the online attacks directed at Cynthia Erivo during the promotion of Wicked: For Good, calling it a case of "classic misogynoir." The Grammy winner expressed her frustration with the mistreatment Erivo has faced, particularly in the form of offensive memes circulating on social media. These memes often depict Erivo in a negative light, with some showing her as a skeleton or being mimicked by men. Thefilmdiva, a content creator, highlighted the underlying racism in these memes, a sentiment that SZA echoed in her response. The singer emphasized that the attacks on Erivo are a clear example of misogynoir and called for them to stop.
SZA's comments came in response to an Instagram reel that shed light on the harmful treatment Erivo has endured during the press tour for Wicked: For Good. The viral clip featured Erivo protecting Ariana Grande from a fan in Singapore, which was later turned into a meme that further fueled the online attacks against Erivo. The singer expressed disbelief that such behavior is still prevalent in 2025 and emphasized that the mistreatment of Erivo is rooted in misogynoir. SZA warned that society may look back on these attacks with regret in the future and urged for them to end now.
The backlash against Cynthia Erivo during the promotion of Wicked: For Good has sparked a conversation about the intersection of racism and misogyny, known as misogynoir. SZA's comments shed light on the harmful impact of the offensive memes and online attacks directed at Erivo, emphasizing the need to address and dismantle such behavior. The singer's call to end the mistreatment of Erivo serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against misogynoir and supporting Black women in the entertainment industry. It is crucial to recognize and challenge the harmful stereotypes and biases that contribute to the mistreatment of women of color like Cynthia Erivo.