Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship: An admirable love between two traitors in marriage

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s romance has been one of the most talked-about celebrity relationships in recent years. From their first meeting on the set of Wicked to navigating public scrutiny and professional triumphs, their journey has captivated fans and media alike. With both artists at the peak of their careers, their relationship continues to evolve in the public eye.

In this in-depth look, we explore how their love story unfolded, the challenges they faced, and what the future holds for this high-profile couple.

How Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Met: A ‘Wicked’ Beginning

The story of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater began in late 2022, when both were cast in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. Grande, a Grammy-winning pop sensation, took on the role of Glinda the Good Witch, while Slater, best known for his role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, was cast as Boq.

At the time, both were in committed marriages—Grande with real estate agent Dalton Gomez, and Slater with his high school sweetheart and wife, Lilly Jay. Their professional collaboration quickly blossomed into a close friendship, which later developed into a romantic relationship.

By early 2023, rumors swirled that Grande and Gomez had quietly separated, with sources citing their “different lifestyles” as the reason for their split. In July 2023, Slater officially filed for divorce from Lilly Jay, just days after his relationship with Grande became public knowledge.

The Public Backlash: Accusations and Controversy

As soon as their relationship was confirmed, social media erupted with reactions. Many were quick to call out the timeline of their romance, with accusations that Grande and Slater’s relationship overlapped with his marriage. Some critics labeled Grande a “homewrecker,” while others expressed sympathy for Lilly Jay, who had recently welcomed a child with Slater.

Jay later spoke out about the situation, telling Page Six, “[Ariana] is not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage.” Her comments fueled further speculation that the breakup was not as amicable as Slater’s representatives had claimed.

Meanwhile, Grande and Slater remained silent, choosing not to publicly address the controversy. Instead, they focused on their work, continuing to film Wicked and appearing together at industry events.

Making Their Relationship Official: Public Appearances Together

Despite the initial backlash, Grande and Slater gradually started appearing together in public.

• In late 2023, they were spotted on multiple Broadway date nights, attending performances of Spamalot and Merrily We Roll Along.
• In early 2024, they attended sporting events together, including a Knicks game in New York City.
• In January 2024, they made their first official red carpet appearance at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in NYC, where Grande looked stunning in a black strapless gown and Slater donned a classic tuxedo.

As time went on, fans noticed how comfortable they had become in the spotlight together. Hand-in-hand at events, exchanging affectionate glances, and sharing inside jokes, they no longer tried to hide their relationship.

The Impact on Their Careers

While their romance made headlines, both Grande and Slater continued to thrive professionally.

Ariana Grande: A Multi-Talented Powerhouse

Grande’s career has remained unstoppable despite the scrutiny surrounding her personal life.

• In March 2024, she announced her seventh studio album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
• She launched a successful fragrance line and expanded her r.e.m. beauty brand.
• She has received critical acclaim for her performance as Glinda in Wicked, with early screenings of the film generating Oscar buzz.
• She’s also set to collaborate with Barbra Streisand on an upcoming duet album.

Ethan Slater: Rising to Stardom

Slater, while not as globally famous as Grande, has seen his career flourish since their relationship became public.

• He has been cast in several high-profile theater productions, with rumors of a potential Broadway revival project in the works.
• His portrayal of Boq in Wicked has been widely praised, with many predicting he will earn awards recognition for his performance.
• He’s also expanding his career beyond theater, reportedly exploring TV and film roles for the first time.

Though initially overshadowed by the controversy, Slater’s talent is earning him industry respect beyond his personal life.

The Couple’s First Oscars Together

One of the biggest moments for Grande and Slater as a couple came at the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025.

• Wicked had 10 nominations, and Grande was up for Best Supporting Actress.
• The couple walked the red carpet together, marking their most high-profile public appearance to date.
• Inside the ceremony, they were spotted exchanging sweet embraces, proving that their relationship had endured the initial backlash.

Their Oscars debut symbolized not only their personal commitment but also their professional success, with Wicked dominating the awards season.

What’s Next for Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater?

Looking ahead, the couple has a lot to look forward to.

• Wicked: Part One is set to be released in November 2024, followed by Part Two in 2025.
• Grande is reportedly working on a world tour to promote her new album.
• Slater is expected to return to Broadway, with insiders hinting at an upcoming original musical project.

Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, it’s clear that Grande and Slater are here to stay—both as a couple and as rising stars in the entertainment industry.

Final Thoughts: Love, Resilience, and Moving Forward

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has been a whirlwind of passion, controversy, and perseverance. While their love story started under complicated circumstances, they have managed to build a strong, public partnership in the face of scrutiny.

What sets them apart is their ability to rise above criticism, focus on their careers, and support each other through one of the biggest years of their lives. Whether they continue to face backlash or finally win over the public remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—they aren’t letting the noise stop them from thriving.

As they step into a future filled with blockbusters, Broadway, and global stardom, the world will be watching to see what’s next for Hollywood’s most talked-about couple.