Cynthia Erivo has earned acclaim for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, but her presence on social media has sparked just as much conversation, sometimes in admiration, other times in controversy. From funny exchanges and fierce defenses of identity to tweets that stirred backlash, Erivo’s posts reflect a dynamic public figure navigating fame, identity, and public scrutiny.
1. “(Ghetto American Accent)” Tweet That Sparked Outrage
“Cynthia Erivo: “I suppose I should really make an attempt to record ‘signal’ PROPERLY Xx”
Joel Montague: “@CynthiaEriVo or attempt to sing to me daily x”
Cynthia Erivo: “@JoelMontague (ghetto american accent) baby u know I gatchu imma sing It To you but I still gatta do wadigattado, you feel me #scene xxx”
This tweet exchange became the center of significant backlash when Cynthia Erivo was cast as Harriet Tubman. Critics viewed her use of the phrase “ghetto american accent” and stereotyped speech as mocking African Americans. Though Erivo later explained that it was meant playfully and referenced a song she wrote at 16, many felt it showed insensitivity to the African American experience, especially given the historical significance of the role she was taking on.
2. Clarifying Her Identity and Experience
“the African in African American is the thing I understand more fully than most, if you think that a BLACK”
This 2017 post seemed to assert her connection to Black identity, particularly her understanding of the African part of the African-American experience. It sparked mixed reactions from those debating cultural nuance and diaspora identities.
3. On Being Judged Without Understanding
“And slightly ignorant, and a touch judgmental. You can’t presume to know what someone in her shoes has to deal unless you’ve dealt with it yourself.”
This 2018 tweet stands as a reminder from Erivo that lived experience matters, particularly in contexts where people are quick to pass judgment without having walked the same path.
4. A Tweet for Taio Cruz
“@TaioCruz made me proud hearing ur English accent next to all that American !!! London massive!! Xx congrats”
A cheerful and humorous tweet celebrating a fellow British artist, proving Erivo doesn’t shy away from showing love for her roots.
5. Responding to Criticism During the Great Comet Drama
“I’ll leave this for all to read as a child decides to tell me off with no knowledge of anything…..”
This tweet came during the fallout from the Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 controversy. A social media user criticized Erivo’s comments regarding the casting changes that involved replacing a Black actor (Okieriete Onaodowan) with a white actor (Mandy Patinkin). Erivo, clearly frustrated, clapped back while reposting the message, implying the critic lacked full understanding of the situation. The tone reflected how personally she took the issue and the intense pressure that public figures face when speaking up about industry injustice.
6. Done Talking About Great Comet
“Not talking about Great Comet anymore, if you @ me I’ll block. Simples. Mahalo.”
Direct and dismissive, this tweet came after drama surrounding the Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Erivo made it clear she was moving on.
7. Political Disgust Aimed at Trump
“This is so abhorrent and disgusting and my skin is crawling, all these buzz words and not one solution TRUMP WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!!!!”
Erivo didn’t hold back on her disapproval of Donald Trump’s rhetoric, highlighting the lack of substance in his statements.
8. Defending Public Voting Access
“I agree with having a public place for everyone where hopefully people can’t get coerced or kept from exercising their constitutional right to vote. If Popeyes is where that is then why is that a bad thing? Have I missed something? Is it just easy to believe I hate?”
Erivo took a thoughtful stance on voting access, calling out assumptions and defending the use of familiar spaces, like Popeyes, for voter outreach.
9. Celebrating Vocal Talent with Joy
@CynthiaEriVo replying to @mattnightingale: “COME THROUGH BASS!!”
This was in response to her earlier supportive tweet:
‘‘@mattnightingale you better sing!!!”
Matt Nightingale’s excited reaction: “OMG 😍”
In this fun exchange, Cynthia Erivo enthusiastically cheered on a fellow singer, showing her support with vibrant energy and zero ego. The two-part tweet highlights her genuine love for music and appreciation for other artists’ talent, especially when it comes to powerhouse vocals.
10. Calling Out Misinterpretation Around George W. Bush
“This is the bit where I step in…
1)This woman never has nor will she ever be ‘Nigga’ to you.
2)Acknowledgement of a human moment is not the same as agreeing with the decisions said human has made.
3)Nowhere does it say she likes him as a person, that is your assumption.”
Responding to backlash over someone expressing a moment of humanity toward George W. Bush, Erivo stepped in to clarify the difference between empathy and endorsement.
Conclusion
Cynthia Erivo’s tweets show how public figures often balance humor, opinion, and pressure in real time. Her posts reflect direct responses to praise, criticism, and social issues. While some tweets received backlash and others were celebrated, they all contribute to a clearer understanding of how Erivo engages with the world beyond the stage. Her online presence continues to draw attention, not just for what she says, but for how she chooses to respond.
