Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe’s relationship has garnered significant attention since they publicly began dating in 2022. Their story originally began at the Met Gala in 2018, but it took four years for them to confirm their romance, amid various rumors regarding its origins, including allegations of an affair.
The first encounter between Erivo and Waithe occurred at the Met Gala in May 2018, at a time when Waithe was engaged to Alana Mayo. In a touching Instagram tribute, Erivo referred to Waithe as “absolutely everything,” signifying the start of their bond.
As their friendship blossomed, the pair attended multiple events together, often acting as each other’s plus ones. Notable appearances included the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Grants Banquet in August 2018 and the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January 2020.
The personal lives of both women underwent significant changes when, in January 2020, Waithe’s marriage to Mayo ended. The couple announced their separation on January 22, citing mutual support during this transition.
Despite maintaining their friendship in the wake of Waithe’s divorce, rumors began to circulate about the nature of their connection, with suggestions that Waithe may have had an affair with Erivo during her marriage. These claims emerged around the same time, although neither woman has publicly addressed them.
In May 2022, Erivo officially acknowledged her relationship with Waithe by celebrating her birthday on Instagram, confirming what many had suspected. This announcement came after a series of joint appearances at noteworthy events from 2020 to 2022, including the Grammys and Oscars.
Erivo later came out as queer in July 2022 during an interview with British Vogue, where she articulated her journey of understanding her own sexuality, expressing her attraction to both men and women.
Throughout their relationship, Waithe has been a devoted supporter of Erivo’s career. This support was notably visible at the premiere of Erivo’s role in *Wicked* in November 2024, where Waithe attended dressed in green, echoing Erivo’s character Elphaba. Waithe regularly showcased her pride on social media, celebrating Erivo’s accomplishments, particularly during the promotional period for *Wicked*.
During the 2025 awards season, the couple continued to make appearances as a united front. They were spotted together at prestigious events such as the Golden Globes, Grammys, and the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, demonstrating their strong partnership despite ongoing scrutiny.
Overall, the relationship between Cynthia Erivo and Lena Waithe exemplifies a deep friendship that has evolved into a romantic partnership built on mutual support and personal growth. As they navigate their careers within the public eye, their commitment to each other remains unwavering.