Lilly Jay, the former spouse of Ethan Slater, who stars in “Wicked,” recently shared her experience of their separation in a thought-provoking essay published by The Cut. In this piece, dated December 19, Jay reflects on the profound impact that her public split has had on her life and career as a clinical psychologist.
In her essay, Jay candidly states, “I really never thought I would get divorced,” especially so soon after welcoming her first child and amid her husband’s new relationship. Reports surfaced in 2023 that Slater had begun dating co-star Ariana Grande during the filming of “Wicked.” While Jay’s marriage to Slater began in 2018 and they became parents in August 2022, their relationship faced challenges following the emergence of Slater and Grande’s romance.
Although Jay refrains from naming her ex-husband or Grande directly, she articulates the emotional toll of her experience. She describes days with her son as bright while acknowledging the darker moments that arise when connected to her ex’s new public persona. She offers a poignant reflection on her journey as a new mother and the unforeseen rift that developed in her marriage, admitting that, even with her expertise in the vulnerabilities surrounding new parenthood, she had overlooked the growing distance between her and Slater.
Jay emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong relationship for their son’s well-being, declaring, “Both of us fiercely love our son 100 percent of the time, regardless of how our parenting time is divided.” As she navigates her career as a psychologist, focusing on supporting pregnant women and newborns facing challenges, Jay finds strength in telling the stories of her patients rather than recounting her own.
In a hopeful tone, she concludes that while the unexpected publicity surrounding her life may feel daunting, it also presents a dual opportunity for connection and understanding. She asserts that we often underestimate our resilience, encouraging readers to confront their worries with confidence.
The essay serves as a reminder that personal struggles can resonate with many and that vulnerability can lead to solidarity and strength within our communities. Jay’s narrative underlines the complexities of parenthood, mental health, and the ability to rebuild oneself amid public scrutiny, ultimately conveying a message of hope and personal growth.