As the movie Wicked becomes a big hit in theaters, actress Kristin Chenoweth is speaking out against criticism from a group called One Million Moms. The group started a petition claiming that the movie is trying to “push the LGBTQ agenda” on families and children.
Kristin Chenoweth, who originally played Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway musical, defended the movie. She wrote in an Instagram comment, “Everyone knows the ‘one million Moms’ are only a few hundred people, maybe. It’s called entertainment. I am a Christian woman, and I played Glinda. The things these women are saying come from hate. But I try to love them anyway because they don’t understand.” She added, “If you want to see a story about girl power, go see Wicked—onstage or in the movies.”
Some fans of Wicked have been talking about the relationship between the two main characters, Glinda and Elphaba. Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in the movie, and Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, have both shared their thoughts about the bond between their characters.
The author of the original Wicked book, Gregory Maguire, said he wanted their friendship to feel special. “It’s up to the reader to imagine how close they were,” he said in an interview. “Maybe one of them felt more than the other, but didn’t say it.”
Grande also talked about how Glinda might be “a little in the closet,” meaning she could be hiding her true feelings. “It’s just true love,” she told Gay Times. “That kind of love is about safety and connection, and it goes beyond labels like friendship or romance.”
Cynthia Erivo added, “Elphaba loves deeply, and there’s nothing wrong with celebrating the bond she shares with Glinda. It’s real love.”
Wicked is a story about friendship, courage, and accepting differences. Kristin Chenoweth and the movie’s stars hope audiences will focus on the important messages of the story, instead of the hate from groups like One Million Moms. The movie reminds us all about the power of love and connection, no matter what form it takes.
