In the year 2025, we like to believe that society has made great strides towards equality and acceptance. However, recent events have shown us that there is still a long way to go. One such event that has sparked outrage and disbelief is the mocking of actress Cynthia Erivo for protecting singer Ariana Grande on the red carpet.
It all started when Grammy-nominated singer SZA took to social media to call out what she termed as “classic misogynoir”. For those who are not familiar with the term, misogynoir refers to the specific hatred and discrimination faced by black women.
The incident in question occurred at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where Grande was seen walking the red carpet with Erivo by her side. As they made their way down the carpet, a group of paparazzi started shouting and pushing, causing Grande to stumble. In a split second, Erivo stepped in to protect her, but instead of applauding her for her quick thinking and selflessness, some people on social media chose to mock her.
This type of behavior is not only unacceptable but also deeply concerning. It is disheartening to see that even in 2025, we are still witnessing such blatant displays of misogyny and racism. It is even more alarming to see that it is happening in the entertainment industry, which is supposed to be a platform for diversity and inclusivity.
SZA’s post on social media shed light on the issue and sparked a much-needed conversation. She rightly pointed out that this incident is a prime example of how black women are constantly subjected to unfair treatment and are often not given the respect and recognition they deserve.
The fact that Erivo was mocked for protecting Grande, a white woman, only highlights the deep-rooted biases and prejudices that still exist in our society. It is a sad reality that black women are not only fighting against gender discrimination but also racial discrimination.
But amidst all the negativity and disappointment, there is a glimmer of hope. The overwhelming support and solidarity shown by people from all walks of life towards Erivo and SZA’s call for change is a testament to the fact that there are still good people in this world who are willing to stand up against injustice and discrimination.
It is heartening to see that many celebrities and public figures have also spoken out against this incident and have used their platform to spread awareness and promote equality. This is a step in the right direction, and we can only hope that it will lead to real change in the future.
In a time where social media has a significant influence on our lives, it is crucial to use it responsibly and to spread positivity and kindness instead of hate and discrimination. We must remember that our words and actions have an impact, and it is up to us to make it a positive one.
In conclusion, the incident at the 2025 Grammy Awards and the subsequent response from SZA and others have once again highlighted the need for us to continue fighting against misogyny, racism, and all forms of discrimination. We cannot let incidents like this go unnoticed or be swept under the rug. It is time for us to come together and create a society where everyone is treated with respect and equality, regardless of their race or gender. As SZA rightly said, “Can’t believe it’s openly a thing in 2025” – let’s make sure that it is no longer a thing in the years to come.
