‘The Racism In the UK Media Is Evident’: ‘Wicked’ Star Cynthia Erivo Gets Pushed Aside for Ariana Grande In UK Newspapers Despite Being British 

Everywhere one turns there is some sort of promotion for the highly anticipated “Wicked” movie featuring its two leading castmates, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. However, fans on social media have noticed something odd: the British press — actually just some elements of it — instead of highlighting Erivo — a homegrown talent and the film’s lead — seems to be putting Ariana Grande front and center in their coverage. The British press is using Ariana Grande to promote the movie “Wicked” and not their hometown star, Cynthia Erivo. (Photo Promotional Picture) The irony here is almost too on-the-nose. “Wicked” tells the story of Elphaba, who’s shunned and overshadowed by Glinda because of her green skin. Replace green with Black, and the real-world parallels become impossible to ignore. Erivo’s Elphaba, the emotional heart of the story, is once again being overshadowed — this time by a blond, white co-star on newspaper covers. Fans have called it out as a textbook example of racial bias, turning what should’ve been a celebration of British talent into an uncomfortable reminder of lingering inequities. Many fans find it painfully ironic that Erivo’s own country appears reluctant to highlight her while...