Kristin Chenoweth Claps Back at Mom’s Group Boycotting Wicked Movie Over “Hate” Claims

Kristen Chenoweth Addresses One Million Moms’ Boycott of Wicked Movie Adaptation

Academy Award-nominated actress Kristen Chenoweth, renowned for her role as Glinda in the original stage adaptation of Wicked, has responded to the backlash initiated by the conservative group One Million Moms, who are calling for a boycott of the upcoming 2024 film. This adaptation is based on the acclaimed 2003 musical, which itself is a reinterpretation of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, The Wizard of Oz.

In the eagerly anticipated movie, Chenoweth’s character Galinda is played by Ariana Grande, while Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Despite the ongoing success of Wicked at the box office, Chenoweth took to Instagram to address the controversial calls for boycotting the film.

Kristen Chenoweth's comment on Out Magazine's Instagram post

Commenting on a post by Out Magazine, Chenoweth dismissed One Million Moms, highlighting their influence as a vocal minority rather than a widespread concern. She emphasized that the group’s comments stem from a misunderstanding of art and entertainment, stating that, as a Christian, she could not condone their rhetoric:

Everyone knows the ‘one million Moms’ are a mere few hundred. Maybe. it’s called entertainment. Artistry. I am a Christian woman who originated the role of Glinda and all the silliness that these women spew out of hate.

After rejecting the group’s claims, Chenoweth passionately encouraged audiences to experience Wicked in theaters or on stage, reinforcing her message of empowerment:

No no no. I can’t help it: I try to love them anyway. For they don’t get it. For anyone who wants to see girl power, then go see WICKED. Onstage or in a movie theater.

The Significance of Chenoweth’s Response

Targeting LGBTQ+ Visibility in Media

One Million Moms, a group founded by the American Family Association, is notorious for its efforts to boycott various media projects they deem unsuitable for children. Their protests have previously targeted different franchises, including those from Marvel, DC, and even the beloved Toy Story 4. For Wicked, they argue that the film promotes “witchcraft,”an “LGBTQ agenda,”and “wokeness.”

Their agenda is particularly noteworthy given that the film includes a diverse cast with prominent LGBTQ+ representation, featuring at least five openly LGBTQ+ performers like Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Rose, Bronwyn James, and Bowen Yang. Chenoweth’s thoughtful rebuttal serves as a welcome counter to bigotry and hatred, particularly in light of the film’s success at the box office.

Chenoweth’s Defense of Wicked

The Core Message of Wicked

The narrative of Wicked centers around the themes of fighting prejudice, speaking out against injustice, and advocating for those marginalized by society. Elphaba’s character is portrayed as a champion for those labeled as different, challenging the societal norms that demonize minority groups as scapegoats for broader societal issues. This reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, both historically and in contemporary society, where organizations like One Million Moms contribute to cycles of intolerance.

While the group’s voice may be amplified due to their affiliations, they represent a minority viewpoint in an increasingly accepting world. Chenoweth’s heartfelt response not only supports the LGBTQ+ cast and crew of the film, but also resonates deeply with audiences who cherish the messages inherent in Wicked. Her involvement in the original show underscores her commitment to its values of love, acceptance, and understanding.

Source: @outmagazine, @kchenoweth / Instagram

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