Main menu

Pages

Kristin Chenoweth Defends “Wicked” Against Conservative Group's Boycott: 'They Don't Get It'

Kristin Chenoweth Defends “Wicked” Against Conservative Group's Boycott: 'They Don't Get It' https://ift.tt/TX6L3kP

"It's called entertainment. Artistry," Chenoweth, who played Glinda in the original Broadway production of 'Wicked,' wrote

James Devaney/GC Images Kristen Chenoweth in November 2024

James Devaney/GC Images

Kristen Chenoweth in November 2024

Kristen Chenoweth is shutting down Wicked haters "For Good."

The actress, who played Glinda in the original Broadway production of Wicked and has a cameo in the film adaptation, responded to conservative group One Million Moms after it claimed that the new movie pushed a queer agenda on viewers. The group's petition asks signers not to support the movie and its sequel.

“Of course, the musical contains a tremendous amount of witchcraft and sorcery, and that content prompts most parents to avoid taking their children to see Wicked," the petition reads. "But the film also shows not-so-discrete crossdressing and men crushing on men, which parents may not expect.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Related: Wicked Costumer Says It Was a 'Mad Dash' to Dress 'Goddesses' Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth (Exclusive)

“Instead of an uplifting Broadway musical about friendship and family, talents and resources were used to create a dark movie that also pushes wokeness," the petition concluded.

After Out Magazine posted about the petition on Instagram, Chenoweth shared a response.

ITV/Shutterstock Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel in the original

ITV/Shutterstock

Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel in the original "Wicked" production on Broadway

"Everyone knows the 'one million Moms' are a mere few hundred. Maybe," she wrote in the post's comment section. "It's called entertainment. Artistry."

Chenoweth, who noted that she is both a Christian woman and the originator of Wicked's Glinda, denounced "all the silliness that these women spew out of hate."

"No no no. I can't help it : i try to love em anyways," Chenoweth wrote. "For they don't get it."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Related: Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth Share Behind-the-Scenes Photos of Their ‘Magical’ Cameos in Wicked

Chenoweth has been vocal in the past about Wicked — the show, the movie and the message of friendship behind both.

After an Oct. 28 screening of the new film, Chenoweth gushed over Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's performances as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. She shared her thoughts in an Instagram reel.

"The story is so wonderful, and Cynthia and Ariana are amazing. The whole cast is amazing," Chenoweth said. "[Director] Jon Chu nailed it. I was so moved, emotional, happy, filled with joy. Please everybody go see Wicked, you'll be blessed."

Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who played Elphaba in the original Broadway production, have small roles in the film to perform "One Short Day."

Wicked: Part One is in theaters now. The second half, now titled Wicked: For Good, is scheduled to open on Nov. 21, 2025.

Comments