Acclaimed actress and singer Cynthia Erivo has publicly expressed her strong dislike for the viral 'holding space' meme that originated from a poignant Wicked: For Good press tour moment, asking fans to stop recreating the iconic finger-holding gesture.
The Origins of the Viral Moment
The now-legendary meme began during an interview in November 2024 when Out reporter Tracy E. Gilchrist told Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande that fans were "taking the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' and really holding space with that, and feeling power in that." Erivo's emotional reaction became instant internet gold, with the actress placing a hand on her chest and tearing up as she responded: "I didn't know that was happening. That's really powerful - that's what I wanted."
In what would become the defining moment of the viral clip, Ariana Grande reached out to comfort her co-star by holding her finger, while Gilchrist clarified she had seen the phenomenon in queer media circles. The genuine display of emotion and support between the two stars captured hearts worldwide, but the subsequent fan recreations have become problematic for Erivo.
Why the Meme Causes Problems
Speaking with British GQ, Erivo explained that while the original moment was authentic, its transformation into a meme has created uncomfortable situations in her daily life. "It was such an innocent moment of confusion and human reaction," she reflected. "I received one thing, Ari received another, and Tracy said something but probably meant to say something else, and then took back the thing that she was saying. All of us were, in the end, confused but moved... it was very strange."
The actress revealed that the meme's popularity has led to fans approaching her in public to ask if they can hold her finger, a request she strongly dislikes. "I hate it. I don't want anyone holding my finger," she stated unequivocally. The phenomenon has even affected her everyday speech patterns, with Erivo noting she now consciously tries to "minimise the amount of times I say 'trying to make space for' or 'holding space for'."
Broader Privacy Concerns
Beyond the meme discomfort, Erivo shared concerning details about her experiences with heightened public attention since starring in Wicked. She described instances where fans and paparazzi have followed her home, creating what she characterised as "frightening" situations. The actress also noted that people frequently try to secretly take photos and videos of her without consent.
The interview highlights the complex relationship between celebrities and viral internet culture, where genuine moments of human connection can transform into persistent invasions of personal space. While the original Wicked press tour moment represented a beautiful exchange between co-stars, its afterlife as a meme has created boundaries Erivo feels compelled to reinforce.
