SZA Defends Cynthia Erivo, Calls Online Mockery ‘Classic Misogynoir’

SZA is calling for an end to the backlash aimed at Cynthia Erivo, saying the criticism has crossed a line. The singer reacted after seeing an Instagram video that highlighted how the Wicked: For Good star has been treated during the film’s promotional tour. The creator of the video, known online as thefilmdiva, pointed out that many of the jokes spreading across social media carried racist undertones. SZA agreed, saying the behavior people were defending was not harmless at all.

Online, users have been sharing memes that mock Erivo’s appearance and behavior. One of the most shared clips involved Erivo stepping in front of Ariana Grande when someone rushed at the singer during an event in Singapore. Instead of praising her for helping Grande, some people turned the moment into jokes, including videos of men imitating her or editing her image in offensive ways.

SZA responded directly in the comments, writing, “Ir not bugging and no one is too woke ! It’s CLASSIC Misogynoir! NOTHING ELSE !!! can’t believe it’s openly a thing in 2025.” She also added that people will eventually regret how they acted, saying, “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.”

This is not the first time SZA has stepped in to defend Erivo. When Erivo was included in British GQ’s “Men of the Year” issue, a number of social media users complained. SZA pushed back then as well, pointing out that the category title has long included women. She commented on TikTok, “I’m confused .. it’s 2025. Kim Kardashian and so many other women have been chosen. I’m also man of the year. It’s the category name .. not an identity.. I’m sorry but this is a non topic.”

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