Ariana Grande’s current boyfriend is Ethan Slater, her co-star from the upcoming film adaptation of the musical “Wicked.” Slater, an accomplished actor best known for his Tony-nominated role as SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical, portrays Boq in “Wicked,” a character infatuated with Glinda, whom Grande plays. The two reportedly began their relationship during the film’s production in the United Kingdom, which commenced in December 2022.
Prior to his involvement with Grande, Slater was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay. The couple wed in 2018 and welcomed a son in August 2022. In July 2023, Slater filed for divorce from Jay, leading to public scrutiny and discussions about the overlap between his marriage and his burgeoning relationship with Grande.
The timeline of Slater’s separation and his new relationship has sparked considerable debate among fans and the media. Some online commentators have labeled Slater as Grande’s “male version,” suggesting similarities in their career trajectories and personal lives. Additionally, there has been criticism directed at both Slater and Grande, accusing them of insensitivity towards Jay and her child during the transition. Jay herself has expressed feelings of being “collateral damage” in the situation, emphasizing the impact on her family.
Despite the controversy, Grande and Slater have made public appearances together, including attending the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, where they were seen displaying affection. Slater has also shown support for Grande’s professional achievements; following her Oscar nomination for “Wicked,” he shared a celebratory photo on social media, highlighting their personal and professional connection.
As both continue to navigate their relationship under public scrutiny, they remain focused on their respective careers and the upcoming release of “Wicked,” which has garnered significant anticipation due to their involvement.
