The reporter behind the bizarre "holding space" question has finally explained what she meant after leaving social media users baffled.
With the release of the hit new movie Wicked, both the film's stars - Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo - have been taking part in countless promotional interviews hyping up the Broadway adaptation.
However, one particular interview caught traction online... for all the wrong reasons.
Sitting down with Out.com reporter Tracy E. Gilchrist, 37-year-old Erivo appeared to be moved when she heard that some fans had been "holding space" with the lyrics of one of the musical's hit tracks.
At one point in the interview, Gilchrist brought up the beloved tune 'Defying Gravity' and how much it means to fans of the musical.
“I’ve seen, this week, people are taking the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity’ and really holding space with that. And feeling power in that,” she said during part of the interview, which was shared on social media," she said.
Watch the moment unfold below:
Erivo was surprised by the comment and put her hand on her chest. She then responded: “I didn’t know that was happening.”
After Gilchrist reiterated that she’s “seen it", Erivo added: “That’s really powerful. That’s what I wanted.”
The Grammy-winning star then looked at Grande, 31, who nodded and held her finger. “I didn’t know that was happening,” Erivo continued to share, to which Gilchrist responded: “I’ve seen it on a couple posts. I don’t know how widespread. But I am in queer media, so.”
“That’s really cool,” Erivo added.
It was a very touching moment... or, at least, it would have been, if social media users had any idea what they were actually going on about.
“I’m completely mesmerized by this clip.. it’s almost like they are speaking a language I don’t understand. I can’t catch the sense of it for a single moment. I’m not understanding the words or the feelings or the energy at all. It’s amazing," one confused person wrote.'"
"I’ve watched this like 30 times, and I still can’t parse a single thing going on here,” another added.
Well, now Gilchrist has finally spoken out and explained what she meant by her comments.
Speaking on Out.com, she said: "When I posed the question to Cynthia about people holding space with the lyrics to 'Defying Gravity,' it was two days after the election, and everyone I knew in the LGBTQ+ community was trying to make sense of what we might be facing. I loved her response, and I love that people are having a laugh, because I know I could use one about now."
"I never considered I'd become a meme," Gilchrist added. "But as an unrepentant showqueen, I'm thrilled that it's for something this campy, in response to a movie I love. Now go see Wicked!"
Additionally, Psychology Today describes the term "holding space" as "to be fully present with someone else, without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome".
So, there you go. All cleared up.
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