Cynthia Erivo Addresses Backlash Over Her ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Role: ‘It’s A Musical, The Gayest Place On Earth’

Cynthia Erivo Addresses Backlash Over Her ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Role: ‘It’s A Musical, The Gayest Place On Earth’

Cynthia Erivo has a message for anyone who criticized her role in Jesus Christ Superstar.

It was recently announced that the Tony-winning actress will portray the titular role for three nights at The Hollywood Bowl this August. “Whataya Want From Me” singer Adam Lambert was announced as Judas.

Cynthia Erivo, who publicly came out in 2022, received backlash for her part as Jesus, with many critics pointing out she’s a Black queer woman.

She addressed the criticism in an interview with Billboard and said:

“Why not? You can’t please everyone. It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off. So hopefully they will come and realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth.’”

The rock opera tells the story of Jesus’ last days from Judas’ perspective. Judas, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, infamously betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver in the Bible.

Cynthia Erivo previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in one of the many revivals of the musical.

Jesus Christ Superstar is set for Hollywood Bowl Aug. 1-Aug. 3.

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