Cynthia Erivo Shuts Down Dax Shepard’s Question in True Star Style: A Wicked Exchange
Hollywood stars are no strangers to eyebrow-raising interviews, but Cynthia Erivo’s recent encounter with Dax Shepard on his *Armchair Expert* podcast takes the cake.
Promoting her much-anticipated role as Elphaba in *Wicked*, set to release November 22, Erivo didn’t hold back when Shepard lobbed a question that was, well, unexpectedly personal.
The actress, known for her powerful performances, her distinct style, and her impressively long acrylic nails, found herself navigating an odd query about her hygiene habits.
Shepard casually asked how she manages to “wipe her butt” with such lengthy nails—a question as bizarre as it is intrusive.
From Broadway to Big Screen: Erivo’s Journey to Wicked
Cynthia Erivo, already a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner, has become a powerhouse performer.
Her role as Elphaba, the misunderstood green witch, is a career milestone for the star, who’s one award short of the coveted EGOT status.
In preparation for the role, Erivo leaned into personal touches, incorporating micro braids and custom-designed talon-like nails to honor both her culture and the mystical world of Oz.
But the road to *Wicked* wasn’t without controversy.
A fan edit of the *Wicked* poster drew backlash from Erivo earlier this year.
The edit obscured her face beneath a shadowy hat, sparking her to speak out against what she deemed dehumanizing alterations.
She also addressed an AI-generated video of her and co-star Ariana Grande, calling these creations offensive and reductive. “I am a real-life human being,” Erivo posted online. “Without words, we communicate with our eyes.”
“I am a real-life human being,” Erivo posted online. “Without words, we communicate with our eyes.”
Just as she faced down the visual misrepresentations, Erivo tackled Shepard’s surprising question with grace and humor.
The Podcast Moment That Made Headlines
Shepard, unfazed, pressed on after his initial question.
“Does the tissue go on the tips of the fingernails, or do you use the pads of your fingers?” he continued.
Without skipping a beat, Erivo set the record straight: “Pads of the fingers. And yes, I fold the tissue.”
While visibly annoyed, she joked, “There are people without nails who probably need to check how they’re wiping.”
Fans had mixed reactions to Shepard’s query.
Many praised Erivo for handling the odd line of questioning with poise, while others criticized Shepard for veering into inappropriate territory.
The incident has reignited debates about boundaries in celebrity interviews, a theme that’s cropped up multiple times in Shepard’s podcast history.
The Hook That’s Got Everyone Talking
Despite the awkward exchange, Erivo’s response highlighted her resilience in the face of invasive commentary.
Her ability to pivot the conversation back to humor without losing composure is another testament to her star power.
Erivo is no stranger to scrutiny—whether it’s internet fan edits or offbeat podcast moments.
What’s clear is that, like Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo is unapologetically herself, ready to face challenges with wit and determination.
*Wicked* is set to enchant audiences this Friday, and if Erivo’s recent handling of challenges is any indication, she’s ready to soar into cinematic history.