Image Credit: Getty Images for Nickelodeon
In 2023, Ethan Slater concluded his five-year marriage to Lilly Jay, following reports that the Tony-nominated performer was involved with his Wicked co-star and former girlfriend, Ariana Grande. The public became aware of Ariana and Ethan‘s developing relationship on July 20, 2023. Subsequently, on July 26, 2023, Ethan initiated divorce proceedings against Lilly in New York, as indicated by documents obtained by TMZ.
Following the theatrical release of Wicked, Lilly shared her perspective on her public separation in an essay published by The Cut. While not explicitly naming Ariana, Lilly spoke about the “public unraveling of [her] marriage.”
“Gradually, I’ve come to realize that in the absence of the life I envisioned with my high school sweetheart, a lifetime of happiness awaits me and my child,” Lilly wrote. “Nobody enters a marriage anticipating divorce, much like no one boards a plane expecting a crash. Yet, I never truly believed I would experience divorce. Particularly not shortly after welcoming my first child, and especially not under the shadow of my husband’s new relationship with a celebrity.”
Lilly underscored her longing for the “life of anonymity” she had “cultivated for [herself] as a psychologist specializing in women’s mental health.”
Learn more about Lilly and her history with Ethan here.
(Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)
Lilly & Ethan Were High School Sweethearts
Although Lilly and Ethan exchanged vows in their twenties, their relationship began much earlier. It was disclosed that they were classmates in high school in a 2018 feature on Ethan’s role in the Spongebob Squarepants Musical on Broadway, according to MoCo 360. The couple was engaged at that point. In a November 2022 Instagram post, the Drama Desk Award recipient mentioned they had been dating since 2012. “My dearest friend. Married for four years, together for 10,” he captioned the tribute.
Lilly & Ethan Got Married in 2018
After six years as a couple, Lilly and Ethan formalized their union in 2018. At that time, Ethan was portraying the title character in The Spongebob Musical. He also made occasional television appearances in programs such as Law And Order: Special Victims Unit and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Lilly frequently accompanied him to numerous red carpet events, including the 2018 Tony Awards, where he received a nomination for Best Actor In A Musical.
Lilly & Ethan Have a Son Together
Four years into their marriage, Lilly and Ethan welcomed a son. This was announced in an August Instagram post accompanied by a photo of a “Wicked Cute” onesie. In May 2023, he honored his wife on Mother’s Day. “Happy first Mother’s Day to the most loving, caring, and wonderful mom/person in the world, from me and this little guy,” he remarked on Instagram.
Lilly Studied Psychology
After nearly 5 years of hard work, hundreds of hours researching and writing over 200 pages worth of paradigm shifting thought in the field of psychology, my wife finally defended her dissertation. I am so proud of her, and cannot wait to introduce her at parties as kiddo.
— Ethan Slater (@ethansaslater) December 15, 2020
While Ethan maintained a relatively private stance on his relationship with Lilly, he did share a congratulatory message upon her completion of her psychology degree requirements in December 2020. “After nearly 5 years of hard work, hundreds of hours researching and writing over 200 pages worth of paradigm shifting thought in the field of psychology, my wife finally defended her dissertation. I am so proud of her, and cannot wait to introduce her at parties as kiddo,” he tweeted.
Lilly Addressed the Reports About Ethan & Ariana
Lilly publicly addressed the news of Ethan and Ariana’s relationship on July 27, 2023. “[Ariana’s] the story really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage,” Lilly stated. At that time, she also remarked, “The story is her and Dalton,” referring to Ariana and her estranged husband, Dalton Gomez. Lilly further informed Page Six that her priority was being “a good mom” to her and Ethan’s son.