The Unflinching Timeline Of Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater’s Romance: What Really Happened On The ‘Wicked’ Set?

The relationship between global pop icon Ariana Grande and Broadway star Ethan Slater has been one of the most intensely scrutinized celebrity romances of the past few years, sparking a worldwide conversation that continues to evolve in late 2024. Meeting on the set of the highly anticipated film adaptation of the musical Wicked, their connection quickly moved from co-stars to a high-profile coupling that dominated headlines, primarily due to the timing of their respective separations from their spouses. The couple has since navigated a whirlwind of public reaction, maintaining a private life while occasionally offering glimpses into their bond, most recently with Grande publicly defending their relationship in a major profile.

The narrative surrounding Grande and Slater is complex, intertwining professional collaboration with personal upheaval. As the release of the *Wicked* film approaches, the focus on their off-screen relationship—which began in July 2023—has only intensified, prompting them to address the scrutiny and define their own story amidst a flurry of speculation and controversy. This deep dive explores the full timeline, the biographical backgrounds of the stars, and the latest updates on their life together.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: Complete Biography and Profile

The two actors at the center of this high-profile relationship bring decades of experience in music, film, and Broadway to their partnership. Their careers, though in different spotlights, share a foundation in musical theatre, which ultimately brought them together on the set of director Jon M. Chu's *Wicked* adaptation.

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Ariana Grande-Butera Profile

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress.
• Early Career: Began her career in the 2008 Broadway musical *13*.
• Breakthrough Role: Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series *Victorious* (2010–2013).
• Music Success: Known for her impressive vocal range and influential pop music, with hits like "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings."
• Role in *Wicked*: Glinda Upland.
• Previous Marriage: Dalton Gomez (married 2021, separated 2023).

Ethan Samuel Slater Profile

• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Born: June 2, 1992, in Washington D.C., U.S.
• Education: Graduated from Vassar College in 2014 with a degree in Drama.
• Career Highlights: American actor, singer, writer, and composer.
• Breakthrough Role: Originated the title role of SpongeBob SquarePants in the 2016 musical *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical*, earning a Tony Award nomination.
• Role in *Wicked*: Boq.
• Previous Marriage: Lilly Jay (married 2018, separated 2023), with whom he shares a son.

The ‘Wicked’ Set: A Relationship Timeline Emerges

The timeline of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's romance is critical to understanding the public scrutiny they faced. Their connection began while filming the two-part *Wicked* movie in the UK, where Grande plays Glinda and Slater plays Boq, a Munchkin who falls for Elphaba's sister, Nessarose.

Key Moments in the Grande-Slater Relationship

• December 2022: Production on the *Wicked* film begins in the U.K., and Grande and Slater, along with co-star Cynthia Erivo, begin spending time together.
• July 2023: News breaks that Ariana Grande has separated from her husband, Dalton Gomez, after two years of marriage.
• Days Later (July 2023): Sources confirm that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are dating. This news immediately sparks controversy, as it is revealed that Slater had only recently separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, after four years of marriage and welcoming a son in 2022.
• July 2023 – August 2023: Slater files for divorce from Jay. The relationship faces intense media scrutiny, with many speculating about the overlap between their new romance and their previous marriages.
• August 2023: Reports surface that Slater has informed his ex-wife that he is living with Grande full-time in New York.
• April 2024: Grande shows public support for Slater by attending his final performance in the Broadway revival of *Spamalot* at the St. James Theatre in New York, marking a rare public appearance as a couple.
• September 2024: Grande "soft launches" the relationship by posting a photo of Slater on her Instagram.

Navigating Controversy and Public Defense in 2024

The relationship has been consistently "marred by controversy," with the public and media focusing heavily on the timeline of their respective separations. The narrative that their romance began before their previous relationships had ended has led to widespread criticism, which the couple has largely weathered in silence until late 2024.

Ariana’s Defense and Slater’s Public Comments

In a September 2024 *Vanity Fair* profile, on the cusp of the *Wicked* release, Ariana Grande broke her silence on the relationship, offering a rare and crucial defense of her partner and their bond. She addressed the public's "less accurate" portrayal of their romance, emphasizing the strength of their connection and defending Slater's character.

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• Defending Character: Grande passionately defended Slater, stating that "there’s no one on this earth with a better heart," directly challenging the negative public perception.
• Media Scrutiny: She acknowledged the unfair advantage she has as a public figure to vaguely tell her side of the story, while also slamming the media's "cruel" and often false narratives.
• Slater’s Perspective: Ethan Slater has also publicly addressed the controversy during the *Wicked* press tour, stating that while he understands the interest, he prefers to keep his personal life private, especially concerning his family.

The Topical Authority of Their Bond

Despite the initial storm, the couple appears to be moving forward confidently. Grande's public support, including an enthusiastic Instagram comment where she called Slater "the Buster Keaton of today," signals a solid and supportive partnership. Their commitment to attending each other's professional milestones, such as Grande's presence at Slater's final *Spamalot* performance, demonstrates a relationship that has transitioned from a set romance to a serious, long-term commitment in New York.

As the world awaits the release of the *Wicked* film, the story of Glinda and Boq's off-screen counterparts will undoubtedly remain a major talking point. However, with their recent public statements and continued support for one another, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are clearly attempting to redefine their narrative, shifting the focus from the controversial start to the enduring nature of their connection.