Ariana Grande recently weighed in on the use of artificial intelligence in fan-created art, following backlash surrounding altered posters for the upcoming Wicked film adaptation.
During the Academy Museum Gala on October 19, Grande shared her thoughts with Variety, commenting, “I think it’s very complicated… AI is conflicting and troublesome, but it’s a massive adjustment period.”
She acknowledged the excitement from fans but stressed the importance of respecting the work of artists involved.
Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo was at the centre of the controversy when a fan-edited poster modified her face to resemble the iconic Broadway musical’s imagery, which hides part of her face.
Erivo responded on Instagram, calling the edits “wildest, most offensive” and “degrading”, explaining, “To edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me. And that is just deeply hurtful.”
Grande’s comments come at a time when AI-generated content is becoming more prominent, prompting discussions about the balance between fan enthusiasm and artist boundaries.
She expressed her deep respect for Erivo, saying, “I have so much respect for my sister, Cynthia, and I love her so much. It’s just a big adjustment period.”
The Wicked film, featuring stars like Grande, Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh, has already garnered major fan interest, with part one set for release soon.
