Cynthia Erivo's Publisher Acknowledges Omission of Ariana Grande Credit in Memoir Following Fan Observations of Verbatim Interview Quotes

Cynthia Erivo released her memoir, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told Theyre Too Much, on November 18. Soon after, readers noticed that certain passages closely mirrored statements made by Ariana Grande during a December 2024 interview, but the book did not credit her.

Flatiron Books, a Macmillan imprint, acknowledged the oversight in a statement to The Washington Post, explaining that a chapter introduction containing proper attribution had been accidentally left out. The publisher confirmed that the corrected version will be used in all future printings and digital formats.

The passages in question, found in Chapter 42, discuss the pressures of personal appearance and societal judgment. One excerpt reads: Ive been a specimen in a petri dish since I was a teenager. Ive heard it all, every version of whats wrong with me. And when I fix it, then its wrong for different reasons. Maybe youve felt the same? Another section adds, If you go to Thanksgiving dinner and someones granny says, Oh, my god, you look skinnier, whats wrong? Or someone else says, You look heavier, what happened? That is uncomfortable and horrible no matter where its happening. This ease in making remarks is really dangerous for all parties involved.

These statements closely reflect comments made by Ariana Grande in her December 2024 interview with French journalist Sally. Grande described experiencing similar scrutiny since her mid-teens, noting how difficult it is to shield oneself from judgment and how harmful unsolicited comments about ones body can be.

Flatiron Books expressed regret over the omission and confirmed that the attribution has now been restored. We are deeply apologetic for this oversight and thankful that we are able to correct it, the publisher said.

Author's Note: Addressing the Oversight in Cynthia Erivo's Memoir

On November 18, Cynthia Erivo's memoir, *Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much*, hit the shelves. However, soon after its release, readers noticed a concerning issue: certain passages appeared to closely resemble statements made by Ariana Grande during a December 2024 interview, without any attribution to her. This raised questions about authorship and credit, prompting swift action from the book's publisher, Flatiron Books.

The passages in question, which appear in Chapter 42, discuss societal pressures and the personal toll of judgment based on appearance. Specifically, Erivo’s reflections on being scrutinized and criticized for her body echoed comments that Grande had made just a few months earlier. This led to widespread confusion among readers, who were quick to point out the similarities.

Flatiron Books issued a formal acknowledgment of the oversight, explaining that a chapter introduction that should have included the proper attribution to Grande was accidentally omitted. The publisher assured the public that a corrected version would be issued for all future printings and digital editions. They expressed regret for the error and confirmed that the necessary adjustments were being made, thanking readers for their understanding.

This incident highlights the delicate balance between creative expression and the ethical responsibility of giving credit where it's due. While this was ultimately a mistake, it also serves as a reminder that proper attribution in works of this nature is crucial for maintaining integrity and respect within the literary world.

Sources:

• Cynthia Erivo's Publisher Says Memoir 'Inadvertently' Left Out Ariana Grande Credit After Fans Spot Verbatim Interview Quotes

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.