The Untold Story Of Ariana Grande's New Man: 7 Shocking Facts About Ethan Slater And The 'Wicked' Controversy

The whirlwind romance between pop icon Ariana Grande and actor Ethan Slater has dominated entertainment headlines for over a year, and as of December 2025, their relationship remains a major talking point. Despite intense public scrutiny and a relentless cycle of rumors, the couple, who met on the set of the highly anticipated *Wicked* film adaptation, are reportedly still together and committed, navigating their new reality while promoting one of the biggest movie events of the decade. This article dives deep into the identity of Grande’s new partner, the controversial timeline, and the latest updates on their status.

The intention behind this relationship has been questioned by fans and media alike, but recent public appearances and statements from both parties suggest their bond is the "real deal," a connection forged amidst the magical backdrop of Oz and the very public breakdown of their previous marriages.

Ethan Slater: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Ariana Grande's new partner is not a newcomer to the entertainment world, though his career has primarily been on the Broadway stage until his casting in the *Wicked* movie. Ethan Slater is a highly acclaimed actor, singer, and writer with a Tony Award nomination to his name. Here is a detailed look at his life and career.

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• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
• Age (as of 2025): 33
• Place of Birth: Washington D.C., U.S.
• Education: Vassar College, graduated in 2014 with a degree in Drama.
• Known For: Playing the title role in *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical* on Broadway, a performance that earned him a 2018 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
• Current Role: Boq in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*.
• Relationship Context: Met Ariana Grande (who plays Glinda) while filming *Wicked* in 2023.
• Previous Marriage: Married to Lilly Jay, his high school sweetheart, from 2018 until their separation in July 2023. They share one son.

Slater’s background is rooted in theatre, a sharp contrast to Grande’s pop star persona, which makes their coupling a fascinating blend of Hollywood and Broadway talent. His role as Boq, the Munchkin who is infatuated with Glinda, provided the literal on-screen chemistry that reportedly sparked their real-life romance.

The Controversial Timeline: From Set to Scrutiny

The relationship between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater became public in July 2023, just days after news broke of Grande’s separation and subsequent divorce filing from luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez. What intensified the media firestorm was the revelation that Slater was also married at the time and had recently welcomed a child with his wife, Lilly Jay.

The timeline of events is a key factor in the relentless public backlash the couple has faced. The key points of the relationship’s inception are:

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• Late 2022: Production for the *Wicked* film, directed by Jon M. Chu, begins in London. Grande (Glinda) and Slater (Boq) begin working closely together.
• Early 2023: Rumors of trouble in Grande’s marriage to Dalton Gomez begin to surface.
• July 2023: Grande’s split from Gomez is announced. Days later, it is confirmed that Grande and Slater are dating. Slater reportedly informed his wife, Lilly Jay, of his intention to divorce shortly before the news broke.
• Late 2023 - 2024: Both Grande and Slater file for divorce from their respective partners, Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay.
• 2025: The couple remains together, with sources describing their bond as strong and supportive, despite the ongoing negative press.

The intense scrutiny has led to both Grande and Slater addressing the situation, with Grande speaking out about the "less accurate" media portrayal of her life and Slater breaking his silence during the press tour for *Wicked*. Their decision to promote the first *Wicked* film together, where their characters share significant scenes, placed their relationship directly in the spotlight.

The 'Wicked' Connection: How Glinda and Boq Changed Everything

The multi-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical *Wicked* is the undeniable epicenter of this story. The set served as the meeting ground, and the film’s release is the current backdrop for their public life. The sheer scale of the project, which also stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, has only amplified the interest in their off-screen dynamic.

Slater plays Boq, a Munchkin who is deeply in love with Glinda (Grande). The characters’ storyline involves a complicated love triangle, which some fans have pointed to as an ironic parallel to the real-life drama. The filming process, which spanned months in the U.K., created an environment where the two stars could form a close bond.

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The first part of the film, *Wicked: Part One*, has been released, and the second part, *Wicked: For Good*, is scheduled to premiere on November 21, 2025. The promotion for the sequel is expected to keep the couple in the public eye throughout 2025, ensuring that the "Ariana Grande new man" narrative remains a top search query.

Navigating Public Backlash and Future Plans

For a relationship that began amid controversy, the longevity of Grande and Slater's bond is a testament to their commitment. They have been photographed together discreetly, focusing on supporting each other's careers. Sources close to the couple emphasize that they are "incredibly supportive of each other’s careers" and are "making it work" despite their busy schedules.

The negative public reaction, which included criticism from fans and intense media speculation about the relationship timeline, has been a significant hurdle. However, by maintaining a relatively low profile and continuing to work on high-profile projects, they appear to be weathering the storm.

Ethan Slater is now a major Hollywood entity due to his role in *Wicked* and his relationship with Grande. His transition from a Tony-nominated Broadway star to a globally recognized actor is complete, inextricably linking his professional future with the pop culture narrative surrounding Ariana Grande.

As the November 2025 release of *Wicked: For Good* approaches, the focus is expected to shift back to the film's success. Whether or not the couple will walk the red carpet together remains to be seen, but their presence in the public sphere is a certainty. For now, the latest update is clear: Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are still a couple, building a future together despite the dramatic start to their story. The world is watching to see what their next chapter—post-Oz—will look like.