Cynthia Erivo Slams Racist 'Wicked' Casting Accusations: 'I've Done The Work'

The Black actor is defending herself after hearing of "conversations" about her "getting this role as a 'woke hire.'"

Cynthia Erivo is addressing the bigoted “conversations” about “Wicked” and its casting.

The adaptation of Broadway’s musical prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” premiered shortly before Thanksgiving and has already grossed more than $500 million worldwide, but also landed pushback from conservatives upset about the film’s casting and messages.

Erivo, a Black Briton born to Nigerian parents, addressed the backlash Wednesday.

“There have definitely been conversations about me getting this role as a ‘woke hire,’” she told Elle U.K. “I had to audition, just like everybody else. And I’m glad I had to do that. I have the credentials for it. I’ve done the work. But I’m glad they got to be sure about the choice.”

Erivo continued, “It allows me to take this, and to know that I had to work really hard for it.”