Online Speculation vs. Factual Evidence
Recent online discussions have focused on a purported "non-demi-curious, semi-binary relationship" between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, co-stars in the film Wicked: For Good. These claims, amplified across social media platforms, suggest a romantic or uniquely defined connection between the two actresses. However, a review of available reports indicates a clear disconnect between these viral narratives and statements made by Grande and Erivo, as well as factual explanations of the terms used.

Background of the Viral Claim
The speculation intensified following promotional events for Wicked: For Good, where Grande and Erivo appeared together. Their public interactions, described as affectionate and supportive, led to heightened scrutiny and fan interpretations.

Clips of Grande holding Erivo's hand and leaning into her during press events circulated widely.
Some online commentary suggested their dynamic was based on "trauma bonding."
A significant driver of the narrative was a viral claim, originating from social media pages, that the actresses had defined their relationship as "non-demi-curious, semi-binary."
Evidence Review: Statements and Explanations
Investigations into the origin and nature of the "non-demi-curious, semi-binary relationship" label reveal it to be a fabrication.
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No Direct Statements: Multiple fact-check reports confirm that neither Ariana Grande nor Cynthia Erivo has ever used the term "non-demi-curious, semi-binary relationship" to describe their connection.
Article 1, 2, 4, 9, 11, 14, 15, 17 all explicitly state this.
Origin as Satire: The term appears to have originated from satirical online pages designed to mock the tendency of fans to overanalyze celebrity friendships and create elaborate labels.
One such page's bio read: "The Lamented: where truth goes to die and sarcasm reigns supreme. Serving up satire, nonsense, and gloriously unreliable stories." (Article 15)
It has been framed as a "satirical invention" and a "viral joke." (Article 8, 6)
Clarifications from Grande: Ariana Grande herself has addressed the nature of her physical interactions with Erivo during promotions.
She explained her behavior as intentionally channeling "emotional support and positive energy through touch." (Article 6)
Grande noted her tendency to be "always, like, squeezing something," suggesting her actions were an expression of her personality. (Article 7)
Definition of Terms: Reports clarify that "non-demi-curious, semi-binary relationship" is not a recognized relationship type or identity.
"Semi-binary" is explained as a subcategory for non-binary gender identities that have a partial connection to a binary gender. (Article 4, 5)
The term used in the viral claim is described as a "distorted version" of real identity labels, not a genuine classification. (Article 8)
Fan Interpretations and Their Basis
The speculation is largely attributed to misinterpretations of the actresses' public interactions and a viral joke.
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Affectionate Behavior: Both actresses have been described as "very touchy people," and their closeness during the Wicked press tour has been highlighted.
Article 7, 17 point to their visible support and public warmth as factors fueling fan interpretations.
Matching Tattoos: Identical palm tattoos featuring the words "For Good," referencing their duet, have also been cited as "receipts" by some fans, though experts note that matching tattoos among friends can often spark romantic speculation in celebrity culture.
Article 12 details this specific point.
Existing Relationships: The narrative also overlooks the publicly known relationships of both actresses.
Ariana Grande is noted to be in a relationship with Ethan Slater. (Article 4)
Cynthia Erivo is identified as dating Lena Waithe, who identifies as a lesbian. (Article 4)
Expert Analysis and Media Context
Media outlets have actively worked to debunk the viral claim, categorizing it as a misunderstanding or a deliberate fabrication.
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"Experts note that matching tattoos among friends often trigger romantic speculation in celebrity culture." (Article 12)
The phenomenon highlights how online culture can amplify interpretations, sometimes creating narratives divorced from reality.
Many reports classify the "non-demi-curious, semi-binary relationship" claim as a "hoax" or "misinformation." (Article 10, 15)
Conclusion and Implications
The claim that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are in a "non-demi-curious, semi-binary relationship" is not supported by evidence from the actresses themselves or factual definitions of the terms used.
Viral Rumor: The narrative originated from a satirical online source and has been widely debunked by fact-checkers and media outlets.
Attributed Actions: Grande's public gestures are explained as intentional expressions of emotional support.
No Romantic Basis: The evidence points to a genuine, supportive friendship between the two actresses, with no indication of a romantic or uniquely defined relationship that aligns with the viral label.
Satire Misconstrued: The viral term appears to be a deliberate creation for humor, which was then misinterpreted or intentionally spread as factual by some online communities.
Sources Used
Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/infotainment/factcheck-cynthia-erivo-and-ariana-grande-in-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-truth-behind-viral-claim-101764358937477.html
Summary provided context on the viral claim's origin and the lack of statements from the actresses.
IBT (International Business Times) - Article 2: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ariana-grande-cynthia-erivos-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-scruitised-wicked-star-1760213
This article highlights the online scrutiny and confirms the lack of evidence for the claimed relationship label.
Timesnownews: https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/relationships/what-is-a-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-ariana-grande-and-cynthia-erivo-rumour-explained-153236053
This source explains the potential origin of the term as a joke and reiterates the actresses' clarity on their personal lives.
The Pink News: https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/11/27/no-cynthia-erivo-and-ariana-grande-are-not-in-a-semi-binary-relationship/
This article directly debunks the claim and provides context on existing relationships.
Tyla: https://www.tyla.com/entertainment/celebrity/semi-binary-relationship-explained-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivo-167727-20251128
This source focuses on explaining the meaning of the terms and confirms the rumor's false origin.
NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/what-is-a-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-the-viral-joke-behind-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivo-buzz-9724292
This article identifies the term as a viral joke and references Grande's clarifications.
The Tab: https://thetab.com/2025/12/05/cynthia-and-ariana-are-in-a-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-so-heres-what-it-means
This source states the relationship type is not recognized and attributes the behavior to the actresses being "touchy people."
IBT (International Business Times) - Article 8: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/what-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivos-alleged-1758720
This article describes the term as a satirical invention, not a genuine identity.
Poprant.Indiatimes: https://poprant.indiatimes.com/trending/explained-what-isnon-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-ariana-grande-cynthia-erivo-speculation-sparks-curiosity-676363.html
This source confirms fact-checkers' findings that the actresses never used the term and there is no evidence of a romantic relationship.
IBT (International Business Times) - Article 10: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/cynthia-erivos-viral-semi-binary-romance-rumour-ariana-grande-explained-1757202
This article addresses romance rumors and labels them as "hoaxes" and "unreasonable hate."
News18: https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/relationship/are-cynthia-erivo-and-ariana-grande-in-a-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-heres-the-truth-aa-9753888.html
This article states directly that the term does not exist in reality and that the actresses have been making headlines for their "affectionate bond."
IBT (International Business Times) - Article 12: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/cynthia-erivo-ariana-grandes-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship-receipts-matching-1757423
This source discusses fan interpretations, including matching tattoos, and quotes experts on celebrity culture's amplification of speculation.
Moneycontrol: https://www.moneycontrol.com/lifestyle/ariana-grande-and-cynthia-erivo-newest-relationship-label-the-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-term-explained-article-13708557.html
This article focuses on explaining the term itself, in the context of the viral buzz.
IBT (International Business Times) - Article 14: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/why-fans-are-wrong-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-are-not-semibinary-romance-1758596
This article directly refutes the claims, stating the story is untrue and rooted in satire, and highlights the actresses' statements about their warm friendship.
Lead Stories: https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/12/fact-check-ariana-grande-and-cynthia-erivo-did-not-say-they-are-in-non-demi-curious-semi-binary-relationship.html
This report explicitly debunks the rumor and identifies the origin from a satire page.
This source discusses the "unwarranted hate" and viral claims about the actresses' relationship.
IBT (International Business Times) - Article 17: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ariana-grande-cynthia-erivos-semi-binary-love-theory-sends-internet-meltdown-1759167
This article labels the "semi-binary love theory" as fictional and a fabrication, emphasizing that the bond is one of friendship and support.