The Five Shocking Truths About Who Ariana Grande Had An Affair With

The question of "who did Ariana Grande have an affair with" became one of the most explosive celebrity stories of the past few years, dominating headlines and social media discussions. As of December 2025, the person at the center of the controversy is unequivocally her *Wicked* co-star, Tony-nominated actor Ethan Slater.

The relationship ignited a media firestorm because it began while both Grande and Slater were still married to their respective partners, realtor Dalton Gomez and psychologist Lilly Jay. The resulting public drama involved a high-profile divorce, a new album allegedly addressing the scandal, and a shocking statement from Slater’s ex-wife, making this a celebrity entanglement for the history books.

The Man at the Center of the Controversy: Ethan Slater's Complete Profile

The man who became Ariana Grande's new partner and the subject of intense media scrutiny is a respected Broadway veteran with a significant career in musical theater.

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• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
• Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
• Nationality: American
• Family Background: Raised in a Jewish family.
• Notable Career Highlights:
  • Broadway Debut: Originated the title role in *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical* (2016–2018).
  • Accolades: Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for *SpongeBob*.
  • Film Role: Played Boq in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (2024 and 2025).
  • Other Work: Also a musician and composer, releasing EPs like "Wanderer" and "Life Is Weird."
• Marital Status (Pre-Grande): Married to Lilly Jay (a psychologist) from 2018 until their split in 2023. They share one child.

The Shocking Timeline: From Wicked Set to Worldwide Scandal

The alleged affair and subsequent relationship between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater unfolded rapidly, taking place during the production of the *Wicked* film in London. The timeline is crucial for understanding the widespread "cheating" allegations.

The Set of *Wicked* (Late 2022 – Early 2023)

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater met on the set of the film adaptation of *Wicked*, where Grande plays Glinda and Slater plays Boq. At this time, Grande was married to Dalton Gomez (since 2021), and Slater was married to Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a child.

The Splits (July 2023)

In July 2023, news broke that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez had separated after two years of marriage, having reportedly been estranged since January 2023. Just days later, TMZ confirmed that Grande was dating Ethan Slater. Crucially, it was also revealed that Ethan Slater had filed for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay, shortly after the news of his relationship with Grande went public.

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The "Homewrecker" Allegations

The close proximity of the splits and the new relationship led to immediate and intense speculation that an affair had occurred. Ethan Slater's ex-wife, Lilly Jay, broke her silence, telling Page Six that Grande was "not a girl's girl" and that her family was "just collateral damage" in the situation. These comments fueled the narrative that Grande had been involved with a married man whose wife had just given birth, leading to her being widely labeled a "homewrecker" by critics.

The Aftermath: New Music and Public Statements (2024–2025)

The controversy did not fade away. Instead, it became a central theme in subsequent career moves and public appearances for both stars, providing fresh content for fans and critics alike.

The *Eternal Sunshine* Album (March 2024)

Ariana Grande's seventh studio album, *Eternal Sunshine*, was released in March 2024 and is widely interpreted as a direct response to her divorce from Dalton Gomez and the start of her new relationship with Ethan Slater. Tracks like "eternal sunshine," "bye," and "yes, and?" are seen as addressing the rumors, her emotional state during the divorce, and the excitement of her new romance. She sings about not wanting to "cause a scene" and the difficulty of a relationship that "might be meant to be" despite the surrounding drama.

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Ethan Slater’s Rare Public Praise (Late 2024)

Throughout much of 2024, both Grande and Slater remained tight-lipped about their relationship, which led to new, unsubstantiated rumors of a split. However, during the promotional tour for *Wicked: For Good* (Part Two) in November 2024, Ethan Slater publicly praised his girlfriend. At the NYC premiere, he gushed about Grande's performance, calling her "out of this world" and shutting down the persistent breakup rumors. This marked one of the few times Slater had spoken openly about Grande since the scandal broke.

Lilly Jay’s Open Letter (2025 Context)

In a late 2024/early 2025 update, Ethan Slater’s ex-wife, Lilly Jay, went a step further than her initial comments by releasing a memo or open letter detailing the end of her marriage. She candidly addressed the "sudden public downfall" of her marriage, taking ownership of her part in the divorce but maintaining a clear stance on the circumstances surrounding the new relationship. Her sustained public commentary keeps the "affair" narrative fresh and continues to frame the situation from the perspective of the former spouse.

Ultimately, while both Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater maintain that they only began dating after separating from their respective spouses, the timeline of events—meeting on the *Wicked* set, the almost simultaneous splits, and the immediate public confirmation of their romance—has cemented the public perception of an "affair." The ongoing saga, fueled by new music, public statements, and the highly anticipated release of the *Wicked* films, ensures that the question of who Ariana Grande had an affair with will remain a topical and highly searched subject well into 2025 and beyond.