Cynthia Erivo’s Portrayal of Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Draws Accusations of Blasphemy
Bisexual black actress Cynthia Erivo sparked backlash from Christians following her portrayal of Jesus Christ in a three-night performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl. Erivo, who previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of "Superstar" and recently starred in the film version of the musical "Wicked," starred as Jesus in the recent play which also featured openly gay singer Adam Lambert as Judas Iscariot, The Christian Post reported.
In footage of the play posted to social media, which shows Erivo carrying a crossbeam while wearing a crown of thorns, Christian actor Kevin Sorbo described the scene as "demonic."
This is demonic.
— Kevin Sorbo (@ksorbs) August 3, 2025
pic.twitter.com/d4mFqK6n5z
David Harris, host of "The Pulse" on Newsmax, echoed similar sentiments, writing "1000% demonic."
1000% demonic https://t.co/50x8Qfn4Nj
— David J Harris Jr (@DavidJHarrisJr) August 4, 2025
Riley Gaines, political activist and former collegiate swimmer, said of the footage, "My heart breaks."
My heart breaks https://t.co/rA1rnuWUAl
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) August 4, 2025
Arch Kennedy, a Christian voice in faith and culture, posted, "Cynthia Erivo playing Jesus at the Hollywood Bowl isn’t just theater—it’s a mockery of God’s Word."
Cynthia Erivo playing Jesus at the Hollywood Bowl isn’t just theater—it’s a mockery of God’s Word.
— Arch Kennedy (@ArchKennedy) August 5, 2025
Christ is holy, not a stage prop. Read my take: 🔗https://t.co/xDNwpHBqw0
Speaking to Elle Magazine in 2024, Erivo, who attended a Roman Catholic school in London as a child, argued that she does not permit "narrow thinking" from Christians to determine how she defines faith.
Lambert also defended Erivo's casting as Jesus Christ during an interview with Billboard last week, in which he likewise contended that Christians who oppose the production are narrow-minded.
"I'm excited by the challenge of presenting the audience with a production led by a female, black 'Jesus' and encourage the audience to expand their minds a bit," he said. "Originally utilizing rock and roll, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' is supposed to provoke and challenge, that's the point. And shouldn't the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?"
Following its musical debut in 1971, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has been controversial due to its lack of a Resurrection, portrayal of Judas as a sympathetic figure, and theologically questionable interpretation of Jesus. The production originally was released as a concept album in 1970 by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Related Article: 'Wicked' Star Cynthia Erivo Cast as Jesus in 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Sparking Controversy
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Sean Zanni/Contributor
Originally published August 05, 2025.
