The pre-release press tour for the film adaptation of the hit musical “Wicked” proved to be a whirlwind of awkward moments and viral clips, culminating in a particularly perplexing exchange between stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and Out magazine reporter Tracy Gilchrist. The now-infamous interview centered around Gilchrist’s statement that she had witnessed online discussions where people were “holding space” with one of the film’s pivotal musical numbers. This seemingly innocuous comment triggered a visible emotional response from both actresses, a reaction that quickly captivated the internet and sparked widespread bewilderment. Millions viewed the clip, leaving many questioning the nature of the exchange and the actresses’ seemingly heightened emotional state.
In a subsequent interview with Variety, Erivo and Grande offered their individual perspectives on the bizarre encounter. Erivo explained her initial reaction stemmed from a lack of awareness regarding the online phenomenon of “holding space” with her character’s signature song. While acknowledging the existence of such discussions on certain platforms, she confessed to being largely oblivious to the trend, attributing her surprise to a conscious avoidance of online discourse related to the film. This explanation, while plausible, did little to quell the online speculation surrounding the actresses’ behavior. Grande, on the other hand, offered a more straightforward account, admitting to being completely baffled by Gilchrist’s comment. She candidly confessed to not understanding the phrase “holding space” and further expressed confusion over Erivo’s emotional response.
Grande’s bewilderment extended beyond the initial comment, encompassing Erivo’s subsequent reaction. She recounted her internal struggle to decipher the situation, questioning her own comprehension and wondering if she had missed some crucial piece of information. The Variety interviewer’s laughter at Grande’s bluntness underscores the surreal nature of the original exchange. Grande went on to describe how she attempted to offer support to her co-star, instinctively grabbing Erivo’s finger and tapping it in a gesture of comfort. This physical interaction, captured in the original video, further fueled the online fascination with the actresses’ seemingly intertwined emotional states. Erivo, reflecting on the moment, conceded that she herself became lost in the confusion, mirroring Grande’s uncertainty.
Adding another layer of perplexity to the interview was Gilchrist’s reference to Erivo’s presence in “queer media.” Erivo admitted to being equally puzzled by this remark, questioning its meaning and playfully suggesting her own inclusion in the category. This exchange further highlighted the communication breakdown between the interviewer and the actresses, contributing to the overall sense of bewilderment surrounding the interview. Grande expressed relief that the public shared her confusion, finding solace in the collective bafflement elicited by the viral clip. The widespread reaction validated her own experience, confirming that the awkwardness was not solely her perception.
Following the viral explosion of the interview clip, Gilchrist offered her own interpretation of the now-infamous “holding space” comment. She explained that the phrase, inspired by a post from GLAAD’s senior communications director, was intended to convey a deep emotional and physical connection with the film’s music. She defined “holding space” as being fully present and engaged with an experience on a cellular level. This clarification, however, did little to mitigate the online mockery directed towards Gilchrist for her unconventional phrasing and the subsequent miscommunication. The interview took place shortly after the 2020 US presidential election, a potentially charged political climate that may have further contributed to the heightened emotional atmosphere. Gilchrist maintained that her intentions were sincere, emphasizing her genuine admiration for the film and its impact.
The “Wicked” press tour, beyond this specific incident, became a subject of online scrutiny due to the actresses’ unusual behavior. Their frequent emotional outbursts and displays of apparent codependency sparked widespread commentary and memes. Despite the awkwardness and negative attention surrounding the press tour, the film itself has enjoyed significant commercial success, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office. This stark contrast between the tumultuous pre-release publicity and the film’s eventual triumph underscores the complex relationship between celebrity image, online culture, and box office performance. The “Wicked” press tour serves as a case study in how seemingly minor interactions can be amplified and dissected in the digital age, shaping public perception and generating viral moments that transcend the intended message. The enduring fascination with the “holding space” incident highlights the internet’s insatiable appetite for deciphering celebrity behavior and its tendency to transform awkward moments into cultural touchstones.
Ultimately, the “holding space” incident underscores the power of miscommunication and the unpredictable nature of online discourse. A seemingly innocuous phrase, intended to convey deep emotional connection, became a source of widespread confusion and mockery. The actresses’ genuine reactions, amplified by the viral nature of the internet, transformed a brief interview exchange into a lasting cultural meme. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of language, the challenges of navigating the digital landscape, and the ever-evolving relationship between celebrities and their audiences.
