Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have made headlines about their close bond — which has been expressed with constant touching during their press tours for the Wicked movies — but a source tells Star they’re faking it.

The costars’ “on-camera friendship is a total act,” says a source, noting that they actually don’t get along at all.

The relationship between the pair on the set of their hit musical “became so toxic they hired a mediator to manage them,” reports the source. “That’s how hostile it was.”

 <span class="wp-caption-text">@CelebCandidly / MEGA</span>

@CelebCandidly / MEGA

Their PDA first went viral in November 2024 after the “thank u, next” singer, 32, held the Harriet star’s finger during an emotional moment in an interview.

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As Star previously reported, Grande addressed her actions to Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast on Tuesday, November 18. “I channel a lot of energy through my hands,” she explained.

But a “cringing” Erivo, 38, had a different reaction, calling the moment “very strange,” in a British GQ story published on November 13. Fans now want to mimic Grande’s action, the Tony winner added:  “I hate it. I don’t want anyone holding my finger.”

This story Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Bond Is a ‘Total Act’: Their Relationship Is ‘Toxic’ (Exclusive) first appeared on Star. Add Star as a Preferred Source by clicking here.