In a moment that captured hearts and “defied gravity”, a South African journalist found herself at the centre of an extraordinary act of kindness when Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo paused the glitz of the Wicked London Premiere to wipe her rain-soaked face, proving that humanity shines brightest in the smallest gestures.
London, United Kingdom (19 November 2024) – Magic often unfolds in the most unexpected moments, and more often than not, there’s a South African right at the centre of it. Remember earlier this year in Munich when Adele called two South Africans on stage, and the whole thing gave us all the feels?
Well, another beautiful moment has captured the spotlight—this time featuring another South African and two of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Tanya Nefdt, a journalist from Cape Town, had a truly touching encounter at last night’s London Premiere of Wicked, leaving everyone on the “green carpet” smiling and uplifted.
Wicked, based on the global stage phenomenon, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. And Universal Pictures marked the occasion by flying a few lucky South Africans to London for the glittering premiere. Among them was Tanya, who was given the prestigious opportunity to interview the stars of the film, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
As always, London brought its charm — and its rain! The drizzle turned into a biblical downpour, and when Tanya got the opportunity to talk to Cynthia and Ariana, she put her own umbrella down to face the leading ladies without obstruction while the rain poured down over her face. Despite the chaos, she did what South Africans do best: she persevered, continuing her interview with Ariana and Cynthia like a true professional.
But the Hollywood stars weren’t about to let her carry on looking anything less than radiant.
In the middle of the interview, Ariana and Cynthia paused to gently dry Tanya’s face, a gesture so thoughtful that it melted the hearts of everyone present. The moment was as heartwarming as it was surreal, as two of the world’s biggest stars shared a tender act of kindness with one of South Africa’s own.
You can watch it below:
“I was quite literally so touched!! And haven’t washed my face since,” Tanya said while laughing.
Related Story
“I love how women look out for one another,” she added.
At its core, this encounter is a reminder that kindness transcends borders and fame. Even in the most glamorous of settings, it’s the simple gestures of humanity that leave the biggest impact.
As Stefan Rheeder, Marketing Manager for United International Pictures, says, “Whether rain or shine, the Wicked cast knows how to create lasting memories, and for Tanya Nefdt, this was certainly a night she won’t forget.”
And we couldn’t agree more. Tanya is taking more than just a story back to South Africa — she’s bringing home a memory that reminds us all of the “Wicked” magic that happens when hearts and worlds connect.
The South African Premiere of Wicked took place last night as well and even though we didn’t have Ariana and Cynthia there to wipe away the rain (or tears), the event was nothing short of incredible. The movie opens nationwide on Friday. And it is set to be absolutely magical!
by 