SZA Calls Out Misogynoir in Cynthia Erivo ‘Wicked’ Memes

Have you seen the buzz around Cynthia Erivo’s recent press tour for ‘Wicked: For Good’? While the movie is generating excitement, some online reactions to Erivo have sparked a serious conversation, and singer SZA is not holding back. She’s calling out the online behavior as ‘classic misogynoir,’ and honestly, it’s a conversation we need to have.

What Sparked the Controversy?

It all started at the ‘Wicked: For Good’ premiere in Singapore. A fan rushed the stage, heading straight for co-star Ariana Grande. In a moment that showed true friendship and quick thinking, Erivo immediately stepped in front of Grande, shielding her from the fan. She, along with Michelle Yeoh, then comforted a shaken Grande.

Videos of this protective moment went viral, but instead of widespread praise for Erivo’s actions, the internet seemed to pivot to making jokes. Many memes emerged, some depicting Erivo as an overly aggressive bodyguard or exaggerating her physical presence in a way that felt intentionally demeaning.

SZA’s Powerful Statement

Erivo herself spoke about the incident, emphasizing her primary concern was her friend’s safety. “I was really thinking, ‘I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe,’ you know?” she shared in an interview. Despite her clear intentions, the online mockery continued.

Enter SZA. Weighing in on an Instagram Reel discussing the problematic nature of the memes, the ‘Good Days’ singer didn’t mince words. She declared the reactions to be “CLASSIC Misogynoir! NOTHING ELSE !!!” Misogynoir, a term describing the specific blend of anti-Black racism and misogyny directed at Black women, felt incredibly relevant here.

The Deeper Meaning of Misogynoir

SZA went on to express her disbelief that such blatant misogynoir is still prevalent in 2025. She predicted that in a couple of years, people might look back with ‘cognitive dissonance,’ questioning why Erivo was attacked for being ‘black bald and nurturing.’ It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness can be twisted through a lens of prejudice.

The term ‘misogynoir’ highlights how Black women often face a unique set of challenges, where their actions are scrutinized and judged through intersecting biases. The memes seemed to play into harmful stereotypes, exaggerating Erivo’s protective nature and even her appearance in a way that felt rooted in prejudice rather than humor.

More Than Just ‘Wicked’ Memes

This isn’t the first time SZA has used her platform to defend Erivo against unfair online criticism. Earlier in November 2025, SZA commented on a TikTok video questioning Erivo’s inclusion in British GQ’s ‘Men of the Year’ list. SZA rightly pointed out that such categories are often symbolic and that many women, including herself, have received similar honors.

Her defense of Erivo in that instance also touched on the absurdity of the criticism, stating, ‘I’m confused .. it’s 2025… It’s the category name .. not an identity.. I’m sorry but this is a non topic.’

Why This Conversation Matters

The reactions to Cynthia Erivo’s actions during the ‘Wicked’ press tour, and SZA’s subsequent commentary, shed light on the pervasive nature of misogynoir. It’s crucial to recognize when online discourse crosses the line from critique to prejudice, especially when it targets Black women.

By calling out these memes, SZA is not just defending a fellow artist; she’s encouraging us all to be more mindful of the biases that can influence our perceptions and online behavior. It’s a call to stop the cycle of unfair judgment and to appreciate acts of kindness and strength without prejudice.