SZA Goes Off on ‘Wicked’ Trolls: Defends Cynthia Erivo Against “Classic Misogynoir

SZA isn't staying silent. The R&B superstar claps back at internet trolls targeting 'Wicked' actress Cynthia Erivo after a viral red carpet incident involving Ariana Grande.

If you thought the drama surrounding the Wicked press tour was purely about method acting and awkward interviews, think again. The conversation just got much deeper—and SZA is making sure we’re all paying attention.

The "Kill Bill" singer took to Instagram this weekend to call out what she describes as "classic misogynoir" directed at Cynthia Erivo, following a scary incident involving Ariana Grande during a promotional event.

The Incident That Started It All Here’s the tea if you missed it: While promoting Wicked at Universal Studios Singapore on Friday (Nov. 28), a fan jumped a barricade and rushed toward Ariana Grande. While Grande froze in shock, Erivo immediately stepped in, physically blocking the man and protecting her co-star until security arrived.

Instead of praising Erivo for being a hero, a weird corner of the internet decided to turn it into a joke. Memes began circulating that painted Grande as a "fragile victim" and Erivo as her "bodyguard" or "security detail."

SZA Claps Back SZA wasn't having any of it. Spotting a post by content creator @thefilmdiva that analyzed the racist undertones of these memes, SZA jumped into the comments to validate the critique.

"It’s CLASSIC Misogynoir! NOTHING ELSE!!!" SZA wrote, visibly frustrated. "Can’t believe it’s openly a thing in 2025."

She pointed out the harmful stereotype being played out: casting Black women as inherently aggressive, masculine, or merely there to serve, while white women are viewed as delicate flowers in need of protection.

SZA didn't stop there, predicting that the internet would eventually regret this behavior. "Everyone’s gonna have cognitive dissonance 2 years later like 'remember when everyone attacked Cynthia for being black, bald, and nurturing?… that was crazy' ..it could jus stop now lol," she added.

A Pattern of Defense This isn't the first time SZA has had Erivo's back. Just recently, she defended the actress after critics questioned Erivo being named one of GQ’s "Men of the Year"—a title often given to influential women (like Kim Kardashian and SZA herself).

The Bottom Line Between body-shaming comments directed at Grande and racial stereotypes aimed at Erivo, the Wicked tour has exposed the ugly side of stan culture. As SZA put it, maybe it’s time to just stop.