Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe have become one of Hollywood’s most visible couples, marked by public support, shared events, and underlying speculation. Their relationship, which began as a close friendship, evolved into something more public after Waithe’s split from her wife in 2020.
The Early Connection: From Met Gala to Close Friends
Erivo and Waithe first met at the 2018 Met Gala, where they quickly formed a bond. Erivo publicly praised Waithe, calling her “perfection,” while Waithe later described being captivated by Erivo’s talent. Their connection grew as they became regular plus-ones at industry events, including the NAACP Image Awards and the Palm Springs Film Festival.
The Timing: Waithe’s Split & Rising Speculation
In January 2020, Waithe announced her separation from Alana Mayo. The timing coincided with increased public appearances of Waithe and Erivo together, fueling rumors of a developing romance. Unverified claims surfaced alleging infidelity, with some suggesting that Waithe had been involved with Erivo even before the split. Neither Erivo nor Waithe has addressed these allegations directly.
Public Confirmation & Erivo’s Coming Out
The relationship became more visible in May 2022 when Erivo publicly acknowledged Waithe on Instagram, hinting at a deeper connection. Later that year, Erivo came out as queer in an interview with British Vogue, clarifying her attraction to both men and women. The confirmation came as Erivo and Waithe continued to attend events together, holding hands at the Alvin Ailey Spirit Gala.
Supporting Each Other’s Careers
Waithe has been a consistent supporter of Erivo’s career, particularly during the 2024-2025 promotion of Wicked. She attended premieres in green, a nod to Erivo’s character, Elphaba, and reposted positive reviews of the film. Erivo has also been seen supporting Waithe at industry events.
The 2025 Awards Season
Throughout the 2025 awards season, Waithe has been present at major events alongside Erivo, including the Golden Globes, the Grammys, and the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. The couple has been photographed together at multiple events, solidifying their public image as a supportive pair.
Conclusion:
Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe’s relationship has evolved from a close friendship into a public partnership, marked by mutual support, industry recognition, and underlying speculation. While the details of their early connection remain somewhat ambiguous, their current presence as a visible couple suggests a long-term commitment
