The question "Who is Ariana Grande dating now?" has been one of the most searched and controversial topics in Hollywood for the past two years, and as of December 2025, the answer remains the same: her relationship with *Wicked* co-star Ethan Slater is still going strong. This high-profile romance, which began amidst the production of the highly anticipated film adaptation, has captivated and divided the public, largely due to the circumstances surrounding the end of both Grande's marriage to Dalton Gomez and Slater's marriage to his estranged wife, Lilly Jay. The couple has recently made more public appearances, subtly confirming their commitment despite the persistent scrutiny.
This article provides the most current and comprehensive details on Ariana Grande's love life, offering a deep dive into the man she is currently dating, the timeline of their relationship, and the dramatic context of her recent divorce. We break down the key facts, from their initial meeting on the set of the two-part film to their latest public display of affection at major industry events in 2025.
Ethan Slater: A Complete Biography and Profile
Ariana Grande's current partner, Ethan Samuel Slater, is an accomplished American actor and singer best known for his work on Broadway before transitioning to film. His career trajectory has been defined by his versatility and a major breakthrough role that earned him critical acclaim.
- Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
- Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
- Age: 33 (as of December 2025)
- Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
- Primary Career: Actor, Singer, Writer
- Broadway Breakthrough: He originated the title role in *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical* (2017), a performance that earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
- Major Film Role: Boq Woodsman in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (2024 and *Wicked: For Good* 2025), where he stars opposite Ariana Grande.
- Television Roles: Slater has also expanded into television, appearing in the second season of the Amazon Prime Video series *Gen V*.
- Personal Context: Slater was previously married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a son. Their separation and subsequent divorce filing occurred around the time his relationship with Grande became public.
The Relationship Timeline: From *Wicked* Co-Stars to Couple
The relationship between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater is inextricably linked to the production of the *Wicked* movie, where Grande plays Glinda and Slater plays the Munchkin Boq. Their romance developed rapidly, sparking intense media and public interest.
1. The Meeting on the Set of *Wicked* (Late 2022 - Early 2023)
Production for the two-part film, directed by Jon M. Chu, began in the U.K. in late 2022. It was during this time that Grande and Slater, playing characters whose storylines intertwine, began spending time together. Sources indicate a connection formed as the cast bonded during the extensive filming process.
2. Grande's Separation from Dalton Gomez (February 2023)
The official date of separation between Ariana Grande and her husband, luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, was listed as February 20, 2023. The couple, who married in a private ceremony at her Montecito home in May 2021, had been struggling for months before the official split.
3. Relationship Goes Public Amid Controversy (July 2023)
News of Grande and Slater dating broke in July 2023, shortly after the public learned of Grande's separation. The timing was highly controversial because Slater's separation from his wife, Lilly Jay, who had recently given birth to their first child, was also revealed concurrently. This led to a massive public backlash and accusations against both stars.
4. Divorce Filings and Finalization (September 2023 - March 2024)
Both Grande and Gomez filed for divorce on September 18, 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences." The process was finalized in March 2024, officially closing the chapter on her two-year marriage. The speed and coordination of the filings suggested the separation was amicable between Grande and Gomez, who reportedly remained friends.
Addressing the Scrutiny and 2025 Updates
The intense public scrutiny over the relationship's beginnings has been a defining factor, and both Grande and Slater have adopted a strategy of extreme privacy and minimal public engagement. However, recent events in 2025 have provided fresh evidence of their continued commitment.
The Public Perception vs. Reality
In a September 2024 interview with *Vanity Fair*, Ariana Grande addressed the "disappointing" and "inaccurate" public perception of her and Slater's relationship. She expressed frustration that people were quick to "believe the worst," suggesting that the full, private context of their respective separations was not known to the public. She described the period of intense media coverage as a "tough ride."
2025 Public Appearances and Support
Despite the initial privacy, the couple has been seen together on several occasions in 2025, signaling their stability:
- January 2025 Gala: Grande and Slater stepped out together for The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, where they reportedly showed subtle signs of affection, marking one of their first major public appearances together.
- April 2025 Broadway Support: The couple attended a performance of the Broadway show *Little Shop of Horrors* to support Grande's longtime friend, Liz Gillies, demonstrating their shared interests and support for one another's social circles.
- Ongoing Commitment: As of November 2025, sources close to the couple have confirmed that they are still "very much together" and are "making it work" despite their busy schedules, including the ongoing promotion for the *Wicked* films. They continue to be "incredibly supportive of each other's careers."
Topical Entities and LSI Keywords:
To provide comprehensive topical authority, here are the key entities and related concepts surrounding the current relationship:
- Previous Relationships: Dalton Gomez, Mac Miller, Pete Davidson, Mikey Foster, Ricky Alvarez.
- Wicked Film Entities: Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Glinda, Boq Woodsman, Jon M. Chu (Director), Universal Pictures, *Wicked: For Good* (2025 sequel).
- Controversy Entities: Lilly Jay, Irreconcilable Differences, Divorce Settlement, Public Scrutiny, Vanity Fair Interview.
- Slater's Career Entities: *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical*, Tony Award Nomination, *Gen V*, Thomas Godolkin.
- Current Status Entities: Relationship Timeline, Current Relationship Status, National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, Little Shop of Horrors, Separation Date (February 20, 2023).
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