Cynthia Erivo Claps Back at Questions About Her Talon Nails: “I’m a Functioning Adult”

Cynthia Erivo, the star of the upcoming musical movie Wicked, recently addressed a recurring and peculiar question about her talon-like nails, which she adopted to represent her character, Elphaba. Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast on November 18, Erivo candidly shared her thoughts on maintaining personal hygiene with such dramatic nails.

During the interview, host Dax Shepard asked Erivo about the challenges of using the bathroom with her long nails. Clearly anticipating the question, Erivo responded with humor and exasperation. “I knew you would ask that question; no one’s afraid,” she said, ready to tackle the topic head-on.

Elaborating on her method, Erivo explained, “My answer is that nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside. You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!” Shepard pressed further, asking if the tissue was placed on the tips of her fingernails or elsewhere. Erivo calmly replied, “Pads of the fingers.”

The conversation took a cheeky turn when Shepard inquired if she ever felt the tickle of the nails on her skin. Erivo firmly denied it, reiterating that her use of tissue prevents any issues. “It’s not a problem for me,” she stated.

However, the Color Purple singer admitted that she finds the questions about her nails increasingly tiresome. “I’m annoyed by it. I’m, like, ‘Come on, guys,’” she said. “But I get it. It’s also like, ‘I’m a functioning adult, and I’ve never walked around smelling like, you know.’”

Shepard clarified his intent, suggesting that Erivo’s impressive ability to function so well with her nails “begs the question, ‘How are you wiping your tush?’” Before wrapping up, Erivo turned the conversation around, pointing out that hygiene is universal. “Here’s the thing, there are people who do not have nails who need to check how they’re wiping,” she said. “And I’m like, ‘I mean, I’m here! I’m dressed.’”

The interview highlighted Erivo’s playful yet assertive approach to handling a quirky topic that seems to fascinate fans and interviewers alike. While her nails may spark curiosity, Erivo made it clear that she manages just fine, embodying her character’s iconic style without missing a beat.

As she prepares for her role in Wicked, Erivo continues to captivate audiences with her talent and wit, proving she’s more than ready to handle the spotlight—long nails and all.