How Wicked and Wicked: For Good are setting a horrible example for fans
This article contains discussions about eating disorders and body image.
Photo by Dia Dupasupil via Getty Images.
Most of us grew up being taught not to talk about other people’s bodies. However, during the recent press tour for Wicked: For Good, I’ve noticed a major increase in discussions involving Ariana Grande’s and Cynthia Erivo’s bodies — specifically, how thin the cast of Wicked appears.
Although it is important to raise awareness about eating disorders, it is never okay to comment negatively on someone’s appearance — whether you think they are too thin, overweight, or otherwise. Despite many people expressing concern for Grande and Erivo, there has also been a flood of content online shaming their bodies, and labelling them as having eating disorders.
At the same time, I am also concerned that the cast of Wicked is setting an unhealthy standard for their fans. Although this may not have crossed their mind, many youths watching Wicked are idolizing the characters of Elphaba and Glinda, including the way they look. This often happens with popular culture, whether intentional or not. Unfortunately, the cast’s appearances are going to impact viewers — even if they should not.
In acknowledging my own past experience with anorexia, I recognize how watching Wicked or Wicked: For Good could be harmful. My past self would likely have felt inadequate, leading me to engage in disordered eating behaviours. However, I know that this experience is personal, and everyone will engage with Wicked and the related discussion about eating disorders differently.
That is why it’s so important to promote healthy behaviours and habits. While the public does not know the behind-the-scenes of Erivo’s and Grande’s lives, it appears that they might be underweight. This could have nothing to do with eating disorders; however, it’s precisely the unknowns that are fueling online discussion.
Another concern I have about this eating disorder discourse is that, the more you engage with this type of content, the more it appears on your feeds. That’s how the algorithms work, and social media platforms go to extremes to hook you into content that will keep you scrolling. Online communities exist where individuals can share tips on losing weight, low-calorie food alternatives, and how to curb cravings. One search on TikTok for “ED” — short for eating disorder — led me down a sickening stream of what I can only describe as pro-anorexia content.
While I understand that much of the content I have been seeing online stems from concern, claims about the casts’ bodies have shifted the focus of the press tour from Wicked from the film itself to a fixation on thinness. The majority of the content I have seen shows side-by-side photos of the cast, often showing past images of Erivo, Grande, and Michelle Yeoh — where they appear full-faced and happy — next to a recent photo, where they are evidently skinnier. Sometimes, there is a disclaimer from the account posting the images, mentioning that we shouldn’t comment on people’s bodies. This feels ironic, coming from an account sharing a comparison photo.
I’ve also seen people share memes about Erivo and Grande’s bodies, and their relationship. For instance, one image depicting Erivo protecting Grande from an aggressive fan is captioned “Cynthia making sure Ariana doesn’t eat.” Grande recently re-released a statement from last year’s Wicked press tour, stating, “I think in today’s society there’s a comfortability that we shouldn’t have, at all, commenting on others’ looks, appearance… what they think is going on ‘behind the scenes’ or health or how they present themselves.”
These memes and comparison photos have sparked more harmful trends, with fans creating elaborate theories about why the cast looks the way they do. Some speculate they could be on the anti-diabetic and weight loss drug Ozempic, or that they are part of an “eating disorder competition” among castmates. Additionally, some have speculated that the work conditions on set have also impacted cast members’ health. However, I’ve seen little to no evidence for these claims. While I understand why this gossip is circulating — and I admit I find some of the posts entertaining — we must ask ourselves about our intentions behind interacting with or creating this type of content.
It is disheartening that Wicked has found itself at the centre of discourse, contributing to harmful ideals online. Despite the concern, Ervio and Grande are still human beings, with real emotions and lives. So, next time you see a meme about their bodies, or like and share posts about them, I challenge you instead to interrogate why you are engaging with this content. It takes willpower to ignore the social media rumour mill, but when it doesn’t benefit anyone, it isn’t worth participating in.
