Nearly two years after their romance began, Ariana Grande and her “Wicked” co-star remain popular. They posed for photos and hugged at an event. Some admirers love their relationship, but others question its origins, dividing public opinion.
Grande and Slater met on a film production where they were both cast. The couple’s romance was revealed in mid-2023 after their divorces.
Though their romance developed slowly, the buzz around it exceeded the movie’s promotion. The events that followed and fan and reviewer reactions have made their relationship one of the most talked-about in recent years.
Co-Stars to Couple: How They Met
Grande and Slater met while filming “Wicked,” which began in December 2022. Grande played Glinda, the Good Witch, while Slater played Boq, a lovestruck munchkin who drives the tale.
Insiders say their relationship evolved beyond rehearsals. The couple became romantic by mid-2023, corresponding with personal changes.
Despite fans and media questioning the time, both were separated from their spouses as their relationship deepened. Their blossoming friendship was evident on set, with stories claiming that their interactions often blurred professional and personal lines.
A source said “Ariana and Ethan weren’t careful,” as the co-stars sometimes held hands or chatted between takes. Slater’s divorce and Grande’s involvement were quickly criticized as their relationship was revealed.
controversy: timing, backlash
Grande and Slater’s relationship schedule overlapped with their divorces, drawing criticism. Grande filed for divorce from Dalton Gomez in September 2023, citing incompatibility.
Their February separation date indicated a months-long effort to settle peacefully, according to legal filings. July 2023 saw Slater divorce his five-year-old wife Lilly Jay.
This was months after he publicly declared his wife “the most loving, caring and wonderful mom/person in the world” on her first Mother’s Day in May. One child was born to the high school sweethearts in 2022.
Slater’s relationship with Grande was revealed days before his filing, sparking conjecture and condemnation. Grande and Slater’s connection sparked quick and strong condemnation.
November 2024 Viral Clip: Split Opinions
A November 2024 X video of Slater interacting with fans reignited Grande-Slater dating rumors. Slater interacts with fans and takes selfies in the footage, which viewers found charming and relatable.
But the video’s replies showed how divided public opinion is on the marriage. Slater’s disposition and relationship with Grande were lauded.
One admirer added, “He’s so nice, and every little interview I see makes me [notice] how perfect he is for Ariana,” while another remarked, “OMG!!! He’s adorable and they’re great together!” Fans compared him to Grande, saying, “He is kinda like Ariana’s male version.”
One fan asked, “Why does he have a similar mannerism to Ari?” Another said, “He’s literally Ariana in male version,” while others observed their comparable energy and quirkiness, which seemed to corroborate their link.
One follower said, “I think everyone needs to realize Ariana probably goes for a sweet and funny type instead of the looks.”
Others praised his gentleness, while one said, “He was going to take a selfie 😭😭.” “He’s so sweet I’m crying 😭😭😭” Another said, “I love how everyone finally [finds] out that Ethan is actually the nicest person ever while I knew it since he was Spongebob.”
However, adversaries criticized him quickly, citing his background. “He left his wife and newborn baby[—]is that sweet?” one user remarked, echoing “Cute and sweet? Didn’t he cheat on his pregnant wife with Arianna Grande?
“[You] guys do not get to switch up now[—]he LEFT HIS WIFE AND BABY,” another said. I don’t care that he’s sweet—he cheated on his wife who just had a baby, stated another X user. I love Ari, but no.”
The clip exacerbated fan-critic tensions, showing how divisive the relationship is. The video was amusing, but the comments showed Slater’s anxiety about his divorce and Grande’s public image.
Public Events: Love in the spotlight
Grande and Slater’s connection has grown from whispers to public outings, generating attention and controversy. After Grande divorced, they had their first public appearance in October 2023.
The couple had a casual NYC supper. The pair dined with Grande’s father, Ed Butera, at her family’s favorite Italian restaurant in December 2023 before seeing Slater’s “Spamalot.”
According to a Grande insider, “They love to support each other in their work.” In June 2024, the couple attended Stanley Cup Finals Game One in Florida. This outing came days after Grande released the music video for “The Boy Is Mine,” which fans believed was inspired by her relationship with Slater.
The couple recently made waves at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York City in January 2025. Grande rested her eyes while Slater smiled brightly for the camera in an intimate moment.
These appearances have shifted attention from their romance to Slater’s profession and personal life. This attention has sparked questions about Slater beyond the headlines.
Deeper Look at Ethan Slater
Slater’s career goes beyond dating Ariana Grande. Broadway star Slater was nominated for a Tony for his role in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.”
His humorous timing and vocal range made him a popular performer. In addition to theater, Slater appeared in “Fosse/Verdon” and “The SpongeBob Musical [live].”
Slater admires Grande beyond their connection. In a GQ interview, he called her “a genius” for her talent and work ethic.
After working on “Wicked,” Slater commended Grande’s dedication and transformation into Glinda. He said, “I’m really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this.
Despite Slater’s professional success, his personal life has garnered notice. Clinical psychologist Jay, his ex-wife, specializes in women’s mental health.
Sources close to Slater and Jay have maintained that they divorced before his relationship with Grande began, even though their split corresponded with it.
Jay implicitly addressed the subject in an essay published almost a year after their divorce. She discussed the difficulties of postpartum life and a sudden divorce without mentioning Slater.
She added, “No one gets married thinking they’ll get divorced, especially not just after giving birth.” She stressed their co-parenting of their son despite their parting grief.
“Both of us fiercely love our son 100 percent of the time,” she added, adding that she enjoys motherhood despite life upheavals. Slater has rarely addressed his personal issues. Colleagues have praised his character.
Lilli Cooper, who worked with him in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical,” was surprised by his new relationship but said he was always nice and professional.
The Grande Defense and Public Statements
Grande has addressed the media scrutiny of their relationship head-on. In a September 2024 Vanity Fair interview, she denied tabloid accusations that Slater left his family for her.
“The most disappointing part was seeing so many people believe the worst version,” she said. Grande defends Slater’s reputation without addressing claims. He was “someone with the best heart” and dedicated to his loved ones, she said.
“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the tabloids’ about him,” she said. She considered the challenges of frequent public scrutiny. Grande said tabloid culture impacted her fame from adolescence.
“I’m not perfect, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming,” she said. She said personal growth helped her overcome negativity and focus on happiness.
Grande stated that she will not be defined by media. “I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good,” she stated.
Her words haven’t quenched public arguments, but they reveal her view on the subject. Despite criticism, Grande seems focused on her happiness and Slater’s support.