Ethan Slater has recently opened up about his relationship with Ariana Grande for the first time, offering a glimpse into their connection and the challenges they have navigated since becoming a couple.
In a cover story, Slater discussed the dynamics of their relationship, which blossomed while they were working together on the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked.
Since their romance began in the summer of 2023, they have largely kept their personal lives private, especially given the intense media scrutiny and public speculation surrounding their relationship.
Reflecting on the past year, Slater described it as “super big” and “really difficult,” particularly after filing for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay, in July 2023. The couple shares a young son, and Slater noted that the process of adjusting to both personal and professional changes was challenging. He expressed frustration at how outsiders often misinterpret situations, emphasizing the difficulty of seeing people comment on and speculate about matters they know little about.
“It’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Slater maintains a sense of optimism about his relationship with Grande, characterizing it as an exciting new chapter in his life.
In the interview, Slater took the opportunity to praise Grande for her work on Wicked. He noted how proud he is of her dedication to the role of Glinda and the effort she has put into the film. “She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it,” he shared, conveying his excitement for the upcoming release and his support for Grande as she navigates her career.
Their professional collaboration has undoubtedly strengthened their bond, allowing them to experience the highs and lows of creating a major production together.
Slater also addressed Grande’s recent album, Eternal Sunshine, specifically the song “Imperfect for You,” which has sparked speculation about its inspiration. He expressed admiration for Grande’s songwriting, stating,
“She’s such an amazing performer, and I think everyone knows how good she is [as] a recording artist… I’m just really blown away by the songwriting.”
While Slater enjoys dabbling in songwriting himself, he mentioned that it remains more of a hobby at this point in his life.
Ariana Grande also recently broke her silence about their relationship during an interview.
She condemned the public backlash and highlighted the disconnect between the tabloid narratives and the reality of who Slater is as a person. Grande emphasized her disappointment in how many people chose to believe the worst about him, stating,
“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him.”
She portrayed Slater as a deeply caring individual who is devoted to the people he loves, countering any negative portrayals that have circulated in the media.
As the couple prepares for the release of Wicked: Part One, which is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024, fans can anticipate not only their performances on screen but also the continued evolution of their relationship in the public eye.
Slater and Grande’s journey together reflects both the complexities of navigating love in the spotlight and the power of mutual support in the face of adversity. With their bond growing stronger, they appear poised to embrace this new chapter together, both personally and professionally.
