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Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater found affection for each other while working on Wicked, yet their romance was not destined to last. The former couple reportedly ended their relationship earlier this year, and with Ariana now on her global tour, followers are curious about the reasons behind her and Ethan’s separation.
As Ariana’s devoted fans are aware, her relationship with the Broadway performer generated controversy upon its revelation in July 2023, the same month Ethan initiated divorce proceedings from his former spouse, Lilly Jay. The co-parents were high school sweethearts and share a child. Regarding Ariana, the “7 Rings” singer had parted ways with her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, earlier in the year.
Here’s a summary of what is known about Ethan and Ariana’s breakup.
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When Did Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Start Dating?
Ariana and Ethan kept the specifics of their romance private, but news of their relationship became public in July 2023. Their connection began in December 2022 when they commenced filming Wicked.
Why Did Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Break Up?
Neither Ariana nor Ethan has offered a public explanation for their separation. However, according to People, their split was “amicable,” and the former couple “invested considerable time and thoughtful consideration before deciding to go their separate ways.”
“They remain friends and are very supportive of each other,” an insider shared with the publication in June 2026. “They have been apart privately for some time.”
Ethan offered a subtle gesture of support for his former partner by acknowledging one of her Instagram posts amidst her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
Why Did Ariana Grande Divorce Her Ex-Husband?
Ariana and Dalton separated after two years of marriage due to fundamental disagreements. Some media outlets suggested that the couple faced challenges due to long-distance travel after the former Nickelodeon star traveled to England to begin filming Wicked.
Why Did Ethan Slater Divorce His Ex-Wife?
Ethan and his ex-wife, Lilly, did not disclose the precise cause for their divorce. However, she spoke candidly about the impact their separation had on her as a new mother in a 2024 essay featured in The Cut.
“I genuinely never anticipated I would experience divorce,” Lilly, who is a licensed clinical psychologist, confessed in the essay. “Especially not shortly after welcoming my first child, and particularly not in the context of my husband’s new relationship with a public figure.”
Lilly elaborated that she was “fully immersed in the enchantment and everyday realities of new motherhood,” which prevented her from “comprehending the widening chasm between” herself and Ethan.
“As a psychologist specializing in perinatal care, I was fully aware of the statistics — how precarious a marriage can be during the postpartum phase, the crucial role of social support in warding off depression and anxiety, and how the arrival of new parenthood affects the entire family unit,” she explained. “Yet, I confidently relocated to another country with my infant son and my husband to support his professional endeavors.”
Despite the emotional pain of their divorce, Lilly underscored that she and Ethan found common ground concerning one aspect: their son.
“While our relationship as partners has transformed, our role as parents remains steadfast,” she concluded. “Both of us cherish our son wholeheartedly, at all times, irrespective of how our parental responsibilities are divided.”