Ethan Slater recently opened up about the unique experience of dating pop star Ariana Grande, whom he met while working on the upcoming Wicked film adaptation. Their connection, which started on set in 2023, quickly captured attention, especially given their prior relationships—Slater’s recent split from his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, and Grande’s separation from Dalton Gomez.
Reflecting on this whirlwind, Ethan shared in an interview with GQ on October 30 that the experience of working with Grande was “a breath of fresh air” and “a really beautiful experience.” He admired her dedication to the project, saying, “I’m really excited and proud of Ari and the hard work she has put into this project.”
Though he has taken a step back from promotions, he expressed support for her achievements, noting, “I’m really excited to be here for this next step—when the world gets to see the incredible work she has done.”
The timeline of their relationship led to public scrutiny, something Ethan admitted was difficult to navigate. “There was something really difficult about having your private life scrutinised by the public,” he remarked, acknowledging the impact of online speculation. Both Ethan and Ariana faced intense media coverage, with Ariana describing it as “disappointing” and defending Ethan’s character, saying, “No one on this earth tries harder or sacrifices more to be there for the people they love.”
Overcoming the challenges of public attention, Ariana reflected on her resilience, particularly regarding fame and media, saying, “It has taken a lot of effort for me to last this long and to heal certain aspects of my relationship with fame.” At 31, she noted, “I’m not perfect, but I am definitely a deeply good person.”
For Ethan, the journey has been about managing public attention while staying focused on his private happiness. Despite everything, both stars appear committed to moving forward positively, ready for whatever comes next.
