7 Shocking Facts And Latest Updates On Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater's Controversial Romance (2025)

The romance between pop superstar Ariana Grande and Broadway actor Ethan Slater remains one of Hollywood's most intensely scrutinized relationships, especially as the highly anticipated Wicked films approach their release. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the couple has moved past the initial public firestorm, shifting from extreme privacy to making calculated, high-profile appearances and even going "Instagram Official," signaling a serious, long-term commitment that has surprised many in the industry.

The story, born on the set of the blockbuster musical adaptation, is a complex tapestry woven with professional collaboration, two high-profile divorces, and intense public scrutiny. This article provides the absolute latest updates and a deep dive into the background of the two stars, their controversial beginnings, and where their relationship stands today, complete with buzz about a potential 2026 engagement.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: Complete Career Profiles

The couple's shared history lies in musical theatre, a foundation that predates their current Hollywood status and provides a critical context for their meeting on the *Wicked* set.

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Ariana Grande-Butera: The Pop Icon (Born June 26, 1993)

• Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Start: Grande began her professional career at age 15 in 2008, landing the role of Charlotte in the original Broadway production of the musical *13*.
• Breakthrough: She rose to prominence as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon show *Victorious* (2010–2013) and its spin-off, *Sam & Cat*.
• Music Career Highlights: Known for her impressive four-octave vocal range, Grande became one of the biggest pop stars of the 2010s. Her discography includes multi-platinum albums like *My Everything*, *Dangerous Woman*, and *Thank U, Next*. She is a Grammy-winning artist.
• Previous Marriage: Married luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez in May 2021; they separated in early 2023 and finalized their divorce in late 2023.
• Current Role: Glinda Upland in the two-part film adaptation of *Wicked*.

Ethan Samuel Slater: The Broadway Star (Born June 2, 1992)

• Birthplace: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Education: Attended Vassar College.
• Career Breakout: Slater is best known for starring as the title character in the Broadway musical *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical* (2016–2018), for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
• Other Notable Roles: He has appeared in various theatre productions and is also a writer and composer.
• Previous Marriage: Married his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, a psychologist, in 2018. They welcomed a son in August 2022. Slater filed for divorce in July 2023.
• Current Role: Boq in the *Wicked* film adaptation.

The Relationship Timeline: From Wicked Set to Instagram Official

The relationship between Grande and Slater began quietly while filming the *Wicked* movie in London. Their on-screen roles as Glinda (Grande) and Boq (Slater) are connected, but the timeline of their off-screen romance quickly became a major tabloid story due to the fact that both were still married when news of their relationship broke.

1. The *Wicked* Catalyst (Late 2022 – Early 2023)

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater met on the set of director Jon M. Chu's adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical *Wicked*. Grande plays the good witch Glinda, while Slater plays Boq, a Munchkin who is in love with Glinda. Filming began in late 2022. It was during this period that their respective relationships with Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay began to quietly dissolve.

2. The Double Divorce Filings (July 2023)

News of Grande's separation from Dalton Gomez broke in mid-July 2023. Days later, sources confirmed that Grande and Slater were dating. Shortly thereafter, Ethan Slater filed for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay. This rapid succession of events led to intense media coverage and allegations of infidelity, which both Grande and Slater have since refuted, insisting they were separated from their spouses before dating.

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3. The $1.25 Million Settlement (October 2023)

Grande and Gomez finalized their divorce quickly and amicably, citing "irreconcilable differences." Grande agreed to pay Gomez a one-time, tax-free sum of $1,250,000, with no future spousal support, as stipulated by their prenuptial agreement. This financial detail was one of the most-reported aspects of the split.

4. Rare Public Appearances (June 2024)

After a period of laying low, the couple began to step out publicly. One of their most significant early outings was in June 2024, when they were photographed attending the Stanley Cup Finals in Sunrise, Florida. They were also spotted walking hand-in-hand at Disney World. These moments confirmed to the public that the relationship was serious and ongoing despite the surrounding noise.

5. Going "Instagram Official" (November 2024)

In a major step toward public acceptance, Ariana Grande "soft-launched" her relationship with Ethan Slater on Instagram in November 2024. The post, which featured the couple alongside other *Wicked* cast members, was seen as their official acknowledgment of the romance on social media, moving past the need for complete secrecy.

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Addressing the Controversy: Public Scrutiny and Ex-Partner Statements

The defining characteristic of the Grande-Slater relationship is the intense public scrutiny it has faced. The primary source of the controversy stems from the timing of their respective separations, particularly Ethan Slater's divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a child.

The Impact on Lilly Jay

Ethan Slater's ex-wife, Dr. Lilly Jay, a psychologist, has been the most vocal figure in the fallout. She described the sudden public downfall of her marriage as "really difficult" and spoke out about the pain of seeing the promotion of a movie (*Wicked*) associated with the "saddest days" of her life. Her personal essay and statements highlighted the emotional toll the situation took on her and her family, garnering widespread public sympathy and fueling the initial negative reaction toward the new couple.

Ariana and Ethan's Defense

Both stars have addressed the public backlash, though not directly. In interviews, Ariana Grande expressed disappointment that people "believe the worst" of her and Slater, calling the period of intense rumors a "tough ride." She has consistently maintained that the media's portrayal of their romance is "less accurate" than the truth, suggesting a narrative that minimizes the messiness of their respective divorces. Ethan Slater also opened up about the difficulty of the public scrutiny, indicating a shared struggle to navigate the media storm while trying to maintain a private life.

Looking Ahead: The 2025/2026 Future

Despite the persistent "breakup chatter" that often plagues high-profile couples, sources close to Grande and Slater have confirmed that they are "very much together" and that the relationship is thriving in late 2024 and early 2025. The next major milestones for the couple are professional and personal: the release of *Wicked: Part One* in late 2024 and the continued buzz about a potential engagement. Friends are reportedly "buzzing" about the possibility of the couple making things official with a marriage in early 2026, suggesting that after navigating a difficult public introduction, they are committed to a long-term future together.