Cynthia Erivo is drawing both praise and criticism for taking on the role of Jesus in an upcoming musical at the Hollywood Bowl.

According to Breitbart, Erivo addressed the controversy during a Billboard interview, pushing back on accusations of blasphemy and emphasizing the inclusive spirit of musical theater.

The acclaimed performer is set to star as Jesus in a new staging of "Jesus Christ Superstar" this August at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, a production already drawing significant public reaction. Some critics have labeled the casting as offensive and inappropriate, accusing the show of being irreverent toward traditional Christian depictions of Jesus.

Erivo directly addressed the backlash in an interview published Monday by Billboard. Referencing the theatrical context of the show, she remarked, “It’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth,” a comment aimed at downplaying the criticism and highlighting the inclusive, expressive nature of stage performance.

When asked why she should portray Jesus, Erivo responded simply, “Why not?” She acknowledged that the casting would not please everyone, but underlined the joy of participating in the short-run production.

Performer Emphasizes Creativity Over Conformity

The Hollywood Bowl production will only run for three days, but the controversy surrounding it has been intense. Erivo, who is also starring in the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation, noted, “It is legitimately a three-day performance at the Hollywood Bowl where I get to sing my face off.”

She expressed her desire to remain a positive influence in a culture that she feels is losing touch with artistic freedom. “I’m trying to be a person you can get positive things from, because that is the only way you can balance this stuff,” she explained, referring to broader societal tensions.

Billboard interviewer Stephen Daw described the backlash as coming from a “vocal minority.” Shifting the discussion to the broader cultural climate, Daw highlighted concerns over recent changes under the current presidential administration.

National Cultural Shifts Draw Erivo’s Attention

President Donald Trump, who won reelection in 2024 by a wide margin—including the popular vote, Electoral College, and every swing state—has implemented policies that have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. One of his executive orders, signed earlier this year, directs the federal government to recognize only two genders: male and female.

Erivo reflected on these developments, expressing concern about what she views as declining support for diversity in the arts. She referenced the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., a venue that recently canceled events celebrating LGBTQ+ rights ahead of this summer’s World Pride festival.

Instead, the Kennedy Center began June by screening Angel Studios’ animated film “The King of Kings,” which portrays Jesus as male. This change in programming, Erivo believes, reflects a growing discomfort with more inclusive interpretations in both society and art.

Erivo Cites Kennedy Center as Example of Decline

“It’s sad to have to watch this happen to it,” Erivo said, discussing the Kennedy Center’s recent direction. “The Kennedy Center is supposed to be a space of creativity and art and music for everyone.”

She added that seeing “wokeness” removed from cultural institutions leaves her with a sense of unease. “I don’t know who gains what from that,” she said. “I hope that it comes back.”

Despite the controversy, Erivo remains committed to her role in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” She hopes the audience will appreciate the performance and understand her perspective once they see the show for themselves.

Performer Hopes Public Will Embrace Vision

“Hopefully they will come and realize, ‘Oh, it’s a musical, the gayest place on Earth,’” Erivo said of her critics. She remains confident in her decision and optimistic that audiences will engage with the show as a work of performance art, rather than a theological statement.

For Erivo, this experience is part of a broader commitment to sharing positivity through her work. She views live theater as an essential form of expression, especially in uncertain times, and wants her audience to come away inspired, rather than divided.

“You can’t please everyone,” she concluded. But for Erivo, the chance to bring her artistry to such a high-profile production remains a deeply fulfilling opportunity, one she is eager to embrace without apology.