Kristin Chenoweth Responds to Movie Boycott

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Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda in Wicked, has defended the movie adaptation following backlash from the conservative group One Million Moms. The organization launched a petition calling for parents to boycott the film, claiming it “pushes the LGBTQ agenda” and features “witchcraft, sorcery, and crossdressing.”

Chenoweth addressed the controversy in an Instagram comment, “Everyone knows the ‘one million Moms’ are a mere few hundred. Maybe. It’s called entertainment. Artistry. I am a Christian woman who originated the role of Glinda and all the silliness that these women spew out of hate. No, no, no. I can’t help it: I try to love ‘em anyways. For they don’t get it. For anyone who wants to see girl power, then go see Wicked. Onstage or in a movie theater.”

The Wicked movie, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, has been a box-office sensation since its release on November 22. It achieved the highest opening for a Broadway adaptation in film history.

Chenoweth’s defence comes as Grande and Erivo also weighed in during an interview with Gay Times last month. Reflecting on the bond between their characters, Erivo said, “They do have a real relationship. It is true love, which is probably why people are shipping it.” Grande added, “What they build with each other is an unbreakable bond and love… a safe space for one another.”

The Wicked movie continues to celebrate themes of friendship, love, and empowerment, embodying the spirit that has captivated audiences on Broadway for over two decades.