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Cynthia Erivo’s highly anticipated Wicked finally hit theaters this weekend, and her partner Lena Waithe made sure everyone knew just how proud she was of the showing. Lena took to social media, showering Cynthia with love. The Emmy-winner flooded her Instagram stories with posts honoring Cynthia’s role as Elphaba and applauding the creative team for bringing this Wizard of Oz remake to life.
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Lena Waithe Shows Love For Cynthia Erivo During Wicked’s Opening Weekend
But Lena’s online display of affection wasn’t the only way she supported the fantastical film. Cameras caught her at multiple premieres donning finest green fits in cities from London to Los Angeles.
It’s clear that Lena is one of Cynthia’s biggest cheerleaders—both online and in real life. Fans of the couple are taking notice.
Source: Amy Sussman / Getty
Lena and Cynthia’s love story has been public – yet private – since their soft launch in 2022. While they keep much of their relationship low-key, moments like Lena’s Wicked shoutouts bring attention to their union.
Both Emmy winners and artists in their own right, Lena and Cynthia are a powerhouse pairing in Hollywood. They are a beautiful example of “being a movement by yourself, but a force when you’re together.”
From Met Gala Vibes To Black Love: Lena Waithe & Cynthia Erivo’s Relationship Timeline
Their relationship traces back to 2018, when Lena first met Cynthia at the Met Gala. Reflecting on that meeting, Lena told Variety:
“The first time I met her was at the Met Gala, which is where all the cool kids go to meet each other. I had seen her in The Color Purple twice. I remember seeing her on TV when Oprah talked about doing it and her being on the screen, and I remember [thinking], ‘Who is this tiny person with a British accent?'”
The admiration was mutual. Cynthia marked their meeting with a sweet Instagram post, writing, “I finally found my sis… Lena, you are absolutely everything. You are perfection. What a meeting of minds, glad to have you in my life! Stuck like glue!!! SHINE QUEEN SHINE!!”
At the time, Lena was with Alana Mayo. Lena and Alana married in late 2019, but their relationship ended shortly after a brief marriage in January 2020.
As Lena and Cynthia’s bond grew, the two were seen at industry events together as early as January of that year, sparking rumors. In 2022, the pair went public, with Cynthia confirming their love in an Instagram birthday post for Lena, writing, “Today is when we celebrate a woman whose heart is bigger than the body that houses it.”
Later, news sources reported seeing them hand-in-hand at a production in NYC, and they’ve been going strong ever since.
Of course, their timeline hasn’t been without controversy. The overlap between Lena’s divorce and her public outings with Cynthia fueled cheating rumors and social media drama. But despite the noise, Lena and Cynthia are unbothered – and thriving.
Lena’s support during Wicked’s opening weekend proves just that.
Cynthia’s portrayal of Elphaba marks a major milestone in her career, and with Lena by her side, we’re sure the moment is that much sweeter. We’re all for the love, support, and mutual success of these two incredible artists. Here’s to more moments of them showing us how to shine—together!
Scroll for our gallery of Lena-Cynthia moments.
1. US Open (2024)
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Lena Waithe and Cynthia Erivo attended Day 12 of the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center on September 6, 2024. Both look casual, cute, and sporty, enjoying the matches together.
2. Met Gala (2024)
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Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe attend the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” on May 06, 2024. Both women show off their stand-out style.
3. Variety Creative Impact Awards (2020)
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Lena Waithe and Cynthia Erivo are all smiles at the Variety Creative Impact Awards. We are gagging over Cynthia’s bombshell blonde hair and bright pink top.
4. Vanity Fair Oscar Party (2022)
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Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 27, 2022.
5. Screening of ‘Sr.’ with Robert Downey Jr. (2022)
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Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe traveled to London for a special screening of ‘Sr.’ on November 30, 2022. The pair both chose baggy coordinates, comfy tops, and adorable beanie hats for the event.
6. 50th NAACP Image Awards (2019)
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Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe attend the 50th NAACP Image Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019. Giving us Wicked vibes way before the film, Cynthia rocks pink ruffles while Lena stuns in green.
7. 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards (2022)
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Lena Waithe and Cynthia Erivo during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022. Lena wears a long black and red stripe car coat while Cynthia slays in silver.
8. 31st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (2020)
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Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe attend the 31st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards Gala at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 02, 2020. Cynthia’s body looks amazing in this navy blue halter-style gown, while Lena looks sleek in a black tuxedo suit,
9. The 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards (2022)
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Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe attend the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton on April 02, 2022. We’re loving the pattern mixing between the couple as Cynthia dons houndstooth and Lena slays in floral.
10. “Harriet” New York Screening (2019)
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Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe brought athleisure style to the “Harriet” New York Screening at the Roxy Hotel on October 24, 2019 in New York City. Lena wears a sweatshirt and jeans keeping it comfy. Cynthia gives flirty and fun in a white, red, and blue dress.
