Troy Sanders
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater initially found love while filming Wicked, but their relationship ultimately couldn’t endure. The couple reportedly ended their relationship earlier this year, and with Ariana now on her world tour, fans are curious about the reasons behind their breakup.
Ariana’s relationship with the Broadway actor ignited controversy when it became public in July 2023, coinciding with Ethan’s filing for divorce from his ex-wife, Lilly Jay. The two were high school sweethearts and share a child. Meanwhile, Ariana had previously separated from her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, earlier that year.
Here’s what we currently know regarding the circumstances of Ethan and Ariana’s breakup.
What Was the Timeline of Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater’s Relationship?
Ariana and Ethan kept the majority of their relationship private, but news of their romance broke in July 2023. They first met in December 2022 while shooting Wicked.
What Led to the Breakup Between Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater?
Neither Ariana nor Ethan has spoken publicly about their separation. sources told People that their breakup was “amicable” and that they “took considerable time and thought before deciding to part ways.”
According to an insider in June 2026, “They remain friends and continue to support each other.” They had reportedly been separated quietly for several months.
Ethan demonstrated his support for Ariana by “liking” one of her Instagram posts during her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
What Were the Reasons for Ariana Grande’s Divorce from Dalton Gomez?
Ariana and Dalton’s marriage ended after two years due to irreconcilable differences. Reports suggest that they faced challenges with long-distance living after Ariana moved to England to film Wicked.
What Factors Contributed to Ethan Slater’s Divorce from Lilly Jay?
Ethan and Lilly have not publicly stated specific reasons for their divorce, but she has openly discussed the emotional impact it had on her as a new mother in a 2024 essay for The Cut.
“I never anticipated getting divorced,” Lilly, a licensed clinical psychologist, shared in her essay. “Especially not shortly after giving birth to my first child and in the context of my husband’s new celebrity relationship.”
Lilly noted that she was “overwhelmed by the enchantment and challenges of new motherhood,” which led to her not recognizing the growing distance between her and Ethan.
“As a perinatal psychologist, I understood the statistics — how vulnerable marriages can be in the postpartum phase, the importance of community support in preventing depression and anxiety, and how new parenthood affects families,” she elaborated. “Yet, I confidently relocated to another country with my 2-month-old baby and husband to further his career.”
Despite their divorce, Lilly emphasized that she and Ethan are united in their love for their son.
“While our partnership has changed, our commitment to parenthood remains strong,” she concluded. “We both love our son with all our hearts, irrespective of how our parenting responsibilities are shared.”
Tessa Everly
David Bridges
