Lilly Jay, the former spouse of actor Ethan Slater, recently shared her heartfelt reflections on her unexpected and highly publicized divorce, which has also been linked to allegations involving pop star Ariana Grande. In an essay published in The Cut, Jay, who works as a clinical psychologist focusing on women’s mental health, opened up about the emotional turmoil she faced throughout this period.
Jay expressed her disbelief over the end of her marriage, especially following the birth of their first child. She noted that no one enters marriage anticipating a divorce and described the experience as akin to an unexpected plane crash. The couple’s split attracted widespread attention amid rumors of Slater’s romantic involvement with Grande, who had recently ended her marriage as well. In prior statements to the media, Jay had criticized Grande, suggesting that her actions left her family as “collateral damage.”
Despite the challenges she faced, Jay emphasized her commitment to co-parenting their son. She shared insights on her journey through grief and the importance of maintaining a strong parental partnership, noting that both she and Slater love their child unconditionally. “While our partnership has changed, our parenthood has not,” she reflected.
Additionally, she touched upon the emotional impact of Slater and Grande’s success with the film “Wicked,” which has received significant acclaim and financial success. Jay mentioned the bittersweet nature of their achievements in contrast with her personal loss.
Jay concluded her essay with a forward-looking perspective, indicating that her public experience could enhance her ability to connect with patients in her practice. She suggested that her own challenges might resonate with others, providing an opportunity for deeper understanding and empathy in her work.
In a hopeful twist, Jay conveyed that despite the turbulence in her life, she believes a future filled with joy and sweetness awaits her and her child. Her reflections serve as a reminder that even in the face of unexpected life changes, resilience can lead to future growth and fulfillment.