Cynthia Erivo by lev radin / Shutterstock.com
A recent performance of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl has triggered strong reactions online, particularly within the black community, after actress Cynthia Erivo took the stage as Jesus.
The production, which ran for three days, became the center of a cultural flashpoint after footage from the event went viral over the weekend.
As reported by The Root, a progressive publication focused on African American issues and culture, the controversy stems not only from the casting of a woman in the traditionally male role but also from Erivo’s public identity as a “queer” performer.
In an article titled “Why the Black Internet is Calling Cynthia Erivo’s Casting as Jesus Anything But Holy,” the publication spotlighted a range of critical posts from TikTok and X, where users denounced the performance as deeply offensive to Christian belief.
In one widely circulated video, a TikTok user criticized the production as “blasphemy,” saying, “Jesus Christ will not be mocked.” He objected to the casting of a woman in the role of Christ, claiming that the performance reflected a broader trend of Hollywood disrespecting Christianity.
“The things she stands for are anti-Christ,” he said, adding, “No other religion is disrespected like Christianity.”
The performance featured Erivo, bald and wearing long stiletto nails, singing alongside pop artist Adam Lambert, who played Judas. A clip showing the two in character received particular attention, drawing ridicule and concern from some viewers.
Online commenters described the portrayal as “sacrilegious,” “creepy,” or “demonic,” The Root reported.
“That’s what they want, everything upside down,” one critic said. “To them good is evil and evil is good.”
Others criticized the casting for its visual impact in particular, saying Erivo looked “weird” in the role or that her physical presentation was “repulsive.”
Another TikTok user added, “It’s some stuff you don’t do. I don’t care if you believe or don’t believe, it’s some stuff you don’t do.”
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