Ariana Grande’s relationship with her “Wicked” co-star, Ethan Slater, has garnered significant public attention and scrutiny. The couple first met on the set of the “Wicked” film adaptation in London in 2022, where Grande was cast as Glinda and Slater as Boq. Their relationship became public in July 2023, following Grande’s separation from her husband, Dalton Gomez, and Slater’s separation from his wife, Lilly Jay.
Ethan Slater’s Background
Ethan Slater is a Broadway actor best known for his Tony-nominated role as SpongeBob in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.” He married his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, in 2018, and the couple welcomed a son in August 2022. In July 2023, Slater filed for divorce from Jay.
Public Perception and Criticism
The timeline of Grande and Slater’s relationship has been a focal point of public debate. Critics have scrutinized the overlap between their new relationship and their respective previous marriages. Some have labeled Slater as Grande’s “male version” due to perceived similarities between the two. Additionally, Slater has faced criticism for leaving his wife and newborn child, with some accusing him of abandoning his family.
Grande and Slater’s Response
Both Grande and Slater have addressed the public backlash. In a September 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, Grande expressed disappointment over the negative narratives, emphasizing that many were based on false information. She defended Slater, highlighting his dedication and kindheartedness, qualities she felt were overlooked in media portrayals.
Slater, in an October 2024 interview with GQ, acknowledged the challenges of navigating public scrutiny. He described the experience as “difficult” and emphasized the importance of focusing on their personal lives rather than external opinions.
Current Status
As of February 2025, Grande and Slater continue to be together. They made a public appearance at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, where they were seen displaying affection and supporting each other. Despite ongoing public scrutiny, the couple appears to be focusing on their relationship and personal growth.
In summary, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has been marked by public interest and criticism, particularly concerning the timing of their union relative to their previous marriages. Both have addressed the backlash, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of public scrutiny.
