SZA Highlights “Classic Misogynoir” as Cynthia Erivo Faces Backlash on Red Carpet for Supporting Ariana Grande

SZA Condemns Online Attacks Against Cynthia Erivo as “Classic Misogynoir“

Los Angeles, CA – November 30, 2025 – SZA has fiercely defended Wicked star Cynthia Erivo against a wave of online criticism, labeling the attacks as “classic misogynoir.” The Grammy-nominated artist responded to an Instagram post highlighting the racially and gendered undertones of the negativity Erivo has faced during the film’s promotional tour.

The backlash intensified following an incident at a recent premiere in Singapore were a man breached security and rushed towards Ariana Grande, prompting erivo to intervene and protect her co-star. Subsequent memes and commentary online have unfairly characterized Grande as vulnerable and Erivo as overly assertive, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Black women.

“It’s CLASSIC Misogynoir! NOTHING ELSE !!!” SZA wrote in a comment, expressing disbelief that such bias persists in 2025. She predicted a future reckoning, stating, “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 isn’t the first time SZA has publicly supported Erivo. She previously addressed controversy surrounding Erivo being named one of British GQ’s Men of the Year, clarifying the issue was a misinterpretation of the category rather than a statement about identity.

The incidents underscore a troubling pattern during the Wicked press tour, which has also seen Grande address unsolicited commentary on her appearance. Both actresses recently shared emotional farewells to their characters on Instagram, signaling the end of a demanding promotional period.

SZA’s outspoken condemnation adds to a growing conversation about the intersection of race and gender bias in online spaces and the disproportionate scrutiny faced by Black women in the entertainment industry.

How does the concept of intersectionality, as defined in the text, contribute to understanding misogynoir?

The Incident at the Wicked Premiere: A Breakdown

Recent events surrounding the Singapore premiere of Wicked have ignited a fierce debate online, centering on actress Cynthia Erivo and the subsequent reaction she received. A fan breached security and rushed towards Ariana Grande, and Erivo instinctively shielded her co-star. While her protective action was widely praised in the moment, a wave of negative commentary and memes directed at Erivo quickly followed, prompting singer SZA to speak out. This incident has brought the issue of misogynoir – a specific form of prejudice directed towards Black women – into sharp focus.

SZA’s Response and the Definition of Misogynoir

SZA, known for her outspokenness on social issues, labeled the memes and criticism leveled at Erivo as “classic misogynoir.” This term, coined by queer Black feminist Moya Bailey, describes the unique intersection of sexism and anti-Black racism that Black women experience.

Here’s what defines misogynoir:

* intersectionality: It recognizes that Black women face discrimination based on both their gender and their race, creating a unique set of challenges.

* Specific Harm: It’s not simply sexism plus racism; it’s a distinct form of prejudice with its own historical and cultural roots.

* Online Manifestation: Misogynoir frequently manifests online through targeted harassment, negative stereotypes, and the devaluation of Black women’s contributions.

SZA’s intervention highlights how quickly protective actions by Black women can be twisted and used against them, particularly online. The speed and volume of negative reactions to Erivo’s actions are indicative of the pervasive nature of this bias.

Why Was Cynthia Erivo Targeted? Examining the Backlash

The reasons behind the backlash are complex and multifaceted. Several factors appear to be at play:

* Unrealistic Expectations: Black women are often held to a higher standard and are rarely afforded the same grace as their counterparts. Any perceived misstep can be amplified and weaponized.

* Stereotypes of the “Angry Black Woman”: Erivo’s protective instinct was misinterpreted by some as aggression, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

* Colorism: While not explicitly stated, some analyses suggest that colorism – discrimination based on skin tone – may have played a role in the negative reactions.

* Social Media Algorithms: Algorithms can amplify negative content, creating echo chambers and exacerbating existing biases. social media impact on public perception is important.

The Role of Celebrity and public Scrutiny

Celebrities, particularly those who are Black women, are constantly under public scrutiny. Every action is dissected and debated, often with a lack of nuance. This incident underscores the pressures faced by Black women in the public eye and the disproportionate criticism they often receive. Celebrity activism and speaking out against injustice, as SZA did, can be a powerful tool for raising awareness.

Understanding the Impact of Misogynoir: Real-World Consequences

Misogynoir isn’t just about online harassment; it has real-world consequences. Studies have shown that Black women experience:

* Higher Rates of Workplace Discrimination: They are often overlooked for promotions and face systemic barriers to advancement.

* Disparities in Healthcare: They experience higher rates of maternal mortality and are frequently enough misdiagnosed or undertreated.

* overrepresentation in the Criminal Justice System: They are disproportionately incarcerated and face harsher sentencing.

* Mental Health Challenges: Constant exposure to discrimination and bias can lead to anxiety,depression,and other mental health issues.

How to Combat Misogynoir: Practical Steps

Addressing misogynoir requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Education: Learn about the concept of misogynoir and its impact. Resources from organizations like the African american Policy Forum and Black Women’s Blueprint can be invaluable.
2. Challenge your Own biases: Reflect on your own assumptions and prejudices.
3. Amplify Black Women’s voices: Share their work,support their businesses,and listen to their experiences.
4. Speak Out Against Injustice: Challenge misogynoir when you see it,both online and offline.
5. Support Policies that Promote Equity: Advocate for policies that address systemic racism and sexism. Equity and inclusion initiatives are crucial.

the wicked Premiere and Beyond: A Continuing Conversation

The incident at the Wicked premiere, and the subsequent backlash against Cynthia Erivo, serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of misogynoir. SZA’s vocal support has sparked a much-needed conversation, but the work doesn’t stop ther. Continued awareness, education, and action are essential to dismantling this harmful form of prejudice and creating a more equitable world for Black women. Pop culture impact on social issues is undeniable, and this event is a prime example.