Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, who have been in the spotlight since their romance began amidst personal upheaval in 2023, are reportedly grappling with new rumors about their relationship just weeks from the release of their highly anticipated film, “Wicked: For Good.” While they previously sparked significant public interest with their appearances at various award shows, the couple has not been seen together since April.
The relationship initially drew scrutiny when it was revealed that Grande had recently ended her marriage to Dalton Gomez, while Slater was still married to Lily Jay, with whom he shares a young son. Grande faced backlash, being labeled a “homewrecker,” leading her PR team to actively address allegations of infidelity—with a prominent essay by Jay highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.
In the months following the initial controversy, Grande and Slater attended numerous high-profile events together, often flaunting their romance. However, insiders reveal that their relationship has become tumultuous, describing it as “on and off” for much of this year. Following an argument shortly before the MTV VMAs, Slater opted not to attend the ceremony with Grande, choosing instead to spend time with his ex-wife and child.
Sources indicate that while the couple has previously discussed marriage, that prospect now seems unlikely. An insider hinted that their relationship may be more toxic than supportive, suggesting they are postponing a public announcement about their status until after the release of “Wicked: For Good” in November. There is speculation that they may not reveal the truth about their relationship until the film’s promotional period concludes in order to avoid overshadowing its success.
As both stars focus on their individual careers—Grande with her upcoming tour and Slater with his acting endeavors—insiders suggest that the intensity of their relationship has cooled. The challenges posed by Grande’s fame and the public scrutiny surrounding them have compounded the difficulties they are facing as a couple.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their future together, insiders note that the connection they shared in the beginning was genuine. If they can navigate the current turbulence, there may still be hope for a lasting bond beyond the glitzy public perceptions and pressures of Hollywood.