Wicked, a highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical, has shattered box office records, earning nearly $165 million in its opening weekend according to Variety. Grande stars as Glinda, "the good witch," with her hair dyed platinum blonde for the role. Despite the film’s success, Loudon dismissed it, alleging it perpetuates negative stereotypes about white people.
“They have Ariana Grande, who is obviously a Hispanic woman, playing the part of a ditzy, blonde, white villain,” Loudon said. She further accused the film of "racial appropriation" and expressed frustration with what she perceives as a recurring Hollywood narrative that portrays white characters as "dumb and evil."
Loudon’s comments drew swift backlash, as Grande is not Hispanic but Italian-American. Both her parents are of Italian descent, and her family has openly embraced their heritage. Last year, Grande’s brother Frankie celebrated obtaining Italian citizenship alongside their mother, calling it a "huge moment" for their family.
The remarks highlight ongoing debates about representation and cultural sensitivity in entertainment, but many fans and critics argue that Wicked is simply a fantastical story designed to entertain rather than make political statements.