Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Address Split Rumors
Following months of speculation fueled by limited public appearances, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are setting the record straight about the status of their relationship. Even as rumors of a split swirled throughout 2025, sources close to the couple indicate they have weathered a difficult period and are now “in a solid place.”
A Rocky Patch
The couple faced a “rough patch” towards the end of last year, according to an insider who spoke with the Daily Mail. Though a breakup was never official, the source revealed there was a period of uncertainty about the future of their relationship. “They’ve really spent time working on their relationship and are in a much better place,” the source stated. “It’s been hard for them with the way their relationship began and they’ve had a lot to perform through, but they seem to really, truly love each other.”
Meeting and Subsequent Relationships
Grande and Slater first connected in early 2023 while working on the film adaptation of the musical Wicked in the United Kingdom. At the time, both were married to other people. Grande separated from her then-husband, Dalton Gomez, in February 2023, while Slater filed for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay, in July 2023, shortly after news of his relationship with Grande surfaced.
Public Appearances and Social Media
The pair were largely out of the public eye together from April to November 2025, prompting speculation about a possible split. They publicly dispelled some of those rumors by appearing together at the New York City premiere of Wicked: For Good. Slater also publicly supported Grande during her hosting gig on Saturday Night Live in December, watching from backstage.
More recently, the couple has subtly shared glimpses of their relationship on social media, posting photos of an intimate Christmas gathering with friends, further indicating they spent the holidays together.
Prioritizing Relationship Amidst Career Demands
An insider revealed to the Daily Mail that Grande prioritized promoting Wicked: For Good, which temporarily shifted focus away from the relationship. “Ariana position Ethan on the back burner while she was promoting the movie,” the source said. “But they’re in a solid place now. They’re like an traditional married couple at home. They’d rather hang out together and do simple things like play board games or binge watch shows rather than go out to fancy places.”
Slater’s Support and Grande’s Preferences
Slater demonstrated his support for Grande by sharing a clip of her Saturday Night Live acceptance speech on his Instagram story. The source also noted that Grande has a pattern of dating men she perceives as less conventionally attractive than herself, attributing this to personal insecurities.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges they’ve faced, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater appear committed to building a future together. Their recent public displays of support and quiet moments shared with family and friends suggest a strengthening bond as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and their demanding careers.