EXCLUSIVE: Cynthia Erivo made the revelation in her new book, Simple More, where she detailed being 'humiliated' while studying at RADAChloe Thomas17:20, 26 Jun 2026Updated 17:21, 26 Jun 2026Wicked star Cynthia Erivo has made claims over what she describes as the 'institutional racism' she experienced while studying at RADA, alleging how she was made to sing backstage during an end-of-year production while a white actress lip-synched to her voice.‌The celebrated actress graduated from the prestigious drama school in 2010 alongside James Norton and Midsomer Murders star Nick Hendrix.‌One of only four black students in a class of 34, Erivo, who was raised on a London council estate by her single mother, claims that she was subjected to ‘microaggressions and misunderstandings’ throughout her time at the academy.‌In her memoir Simply More, which is due to be released in paperback later this year, the 39-year-old says she often felt like an “outcast” at RADA and recounts a particularly painful experience during her final-year production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company.She believes she was overlooked for a larger role in the musical. Then, when one of the actresses lost her voice, Erivo claims she was asked to provide the vocals from behind the scenes, while the actress mimed on stage.‌She writes: "I was given a small insignificant role. The other girls were given larger roles. I will not describe what they look like, I think you already know."Recalling the incident, she continues: “As the dates for the show approached, I was told that two of the girls had gotten sick. One had laryngitis, the other food poisoning. There was a fairly straightforward solution: take them out and ask me to cover their roles."Instead, I was asked to sing backstage for the sick girls. I would sing, while they lip-synched on stage. The powers that be took my voice away from me and gave it to somebody else."‌The London-born star says the experience left her feeling as though she was being erased."I was being kept hidden while these two girls took the stage. I was having to use my voice, what’s mine in the deepest, most intimate sense – to sing for other people. I was being erased while these two were benefiting from my gift."She says the incident ultimately strengthened her resolve, vowing never to allow herself to be “humiliated” in the same way again. She said: "By the time I handed back the microphone, I finally knew what was mine. I was ready."‌In a striking twist of fate, Erivo was appointed a Vice-President of RADA in 2024.Reflecting on the appointment, she writes: “In a strange turn of events, and because God loves to play tricks on me, I am the vice president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. I can’t tell you where those other ladies are and frankly, I don’t care.”Since graduating from RADA in 2010, Erivo has become one of Britain’s most acclaimed performers, winning a Tony, Grammy and Emmy for her acclaimed performance in The Colour Purple.‌She later earned Oscar nominations for Harriet achieved global fame as Elphaba in Wicked and last month completed a critically acclaimed run in the one-woman West End production of Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre.A spokesperson for RADA said: "We are very sorry to hear Cynthia’s account of aspects of her experience as a student at RADA. We would not tolerate the practices she describes in our teaching environment today. Our training is designed to develop the talent and potential every individual brings to RADA, and we are committed to an environment that is inclusive, respectful and supportive."The paperback edition of Cynthia Erivo's book, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much , will be released in the UK on October 22, 2026. You can pre-order the paperback online, with prices typically ranging from £8.80 to £10.99.Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.