Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Paid the Same for 'Wicked'

Even though “Wicked” defies gravity, the studio responsible for the musical blockbuster had to make it clear that there was nothing wrong with paying its stars.

Universal Pictures issued a statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday clarifying that “Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were paid the same amount for their work on the film.

The studio released the statement as rumors of a large pay gap between the two began circulating on social media.

“Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet material,” the statement said. “The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked.”

The company did not disclose in the statement how much the couple received.

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“Wicked” hit six figures in its opening weekend

The first part of the film adaptation of the stage musical based on the book by Gregory McGuire reached first place at the worldwide box office on its opening weekend, grossing $164.2 million, including $114 million in North American theaters.

According to the studio, it was the biggest opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical, ahead of the world premiere of Universal’s 2012 release “Les Miserables.”

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