Ethan Slater Ariana Grande – Complete Relationship Timeline
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has drawn significant public attention since 2023, unfolding against the backdrop of their respective divorces and the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation. Both artists, known for successful careers in entertainment, found themselves at the center of media scrutiny following reports that they had begun dating in the summer of 2023.
The pairing sparked widespread discussion due to the timing of their respective separations from their then-spouses. Sources close to both parties have maintained that Grande and Slater began their relationship only after each had ended their marriages, though public perception remained divided on the matter. As of September 2025, the couple has continued their relationship despite ongoing rumors and periodic speculation about their status.
This comprehensive guide examines the documented timeline of events, the context surrounding their meeting on the Wicked set, the details of their respective divorces, and the public statements made by those involved.
Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Dating?
Reports confirming Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s romantic involvement emerged in July 2023, when multiple outlets reported that the pop star had begun dating the Broadway actor. According to sources cited by Cosmopolitan, both individuals had separated from their spouses before beginning their relationship, a detail that became central to addressing early controversy surrounding the pairing.
According to reports from Elle and other publications, Grande and Slater were described as “very happy” and “in love” by sources familiar with the situation. Their bond was characterized as “organic” by those who observed their interactions at public events.
Key Facts About Their Relationship
- Grande and Slater began dating in July 2023, according to multiple reports
- Both had separated from their respective spouses before the relationship began
- They moved in together full-time in New York by October 2023
- As of September 2025, sources confirmed they remained together despite periodic separation rumors
- The couple has supported each other publicly at various events and premieres
- Grande has referenced the relationship in multiple song releases
- Privacy has been a stated priority for the couple amid public attention
| Fact | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Grande separated from Dalton Gomez | January 2023 | Elle |
| Reports confirm Grande and Slater began dating | July 2023 | Harper’s Bazaar |
| Grande and Gomez finalized divorce | October 2023 | Elle |
| Grande released “Yes, And?” addressing scrutiny | January 2024 | Harper’s Bazaar |
| Grande publicly defended Slater in interview | September 2024 | Harper’s Bazaar |
| Grande released “Hampstead” on deluxe album | March 2025 | Harper’s Bazaar |
How Did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Meet?
Grande and Slater met as co-stars in the film adaptation of Wicked, with Grande portraying Glinda the Good Witch and Slater taking on the role of Boq the Winkie. According to accounts reported by Cosmopolitan, the two quickly bonded during filming, often laughing together on set.
The Wicked Connection
Reports from multiple outlets indicate that chemistry between the co-stars was noted by cast members during production. At the time filming began, both Grande and Slater were reportedly perceived as happily married to their respective partners. Grande was married to Dalton Gomez, while Slater was in a relationship with Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a son born in 2023.
According to Variety, filming for Wicked brought together a cast including Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh. The production schedule placed Grande and Slater in close proximity for extended periods, a factor frequently cited in explaining how their connection developed.
Early Signs of Connection
Sources familiar with the production, as cited by Harper’s Bazaar, described the pair as developing a rapport that went beyond professional collaboration. Cast members reportedly observed moments of genuine laughter and camaraderie between the two during breaks in filming.
The timing of their eventual romantic involvement became a subject of public interest, particularly given that Jay gave birth to Slater’s son mere weeks before Wicked production commenced. This circumstance contributed to the scrutiny that followed announcement of their relationship.
Who Is Ethan Slater’s Ex-Wife and What Happened to His Marriage?
Ethan Slater’s ex-wife is Lilly Jay, an actress and creative professional. According to statements reported by Harper’s Bazaar, Jay and Slater were in a relationship that produced a son born in 2023, shortly before production on Wicked began.
The Slater-Jay Separation
Reports indicate that Slater and Jay separated prior to July 2023, when news of Slater’s relationship with Grande surfaced. According to Cosmopolitan, Slater and Jay were in mediation proceedings by February 2024 as they worked toward finalizing their divorce.
In December 2024, Lilly Jay released a statement addressing the situation, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar. Jay described moving abroad following the birth of her son to support Slater’s career, noting feelings of “growing distance.” She discussed the trauma caused by public exposure tied to Wicked promotion and confirmed amicable co-parenting arrangements while noting she was healing slowly.
Ariana Grande’s Divorce Timeline
Ariana Grande’s separation from Dalton Gomez occurred in January 2023, with the divorce finalized in October 2023. According to Elle, the dissolution was described as conducted with mutual respect between the former couple.
Grande referenced both her marriage to Gomez and her relationship with Slater in her March 2024 album Eternal Sunshine, which sources described as an artistic expression of her perspective on both relationships.
What Is the Controversy Around Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater?
The relationship between Grande and Slater generated substantial controversy, primarily centered on perceived overlaps between the timing of their separations and the beginning of their dating. Critics pointed to the birth of Slater’s son weeks before Wicked filming and questioned whether the relationship began while Slater’s marriage was still intact.
Addressing the Backlash
In a September 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, Grande publicly defended Slater against tabloid portrayals that depicted him as abandoning his family. Sources cited by Harper’s Bazaar reported that Grande characterized these depictions as “the least accurate depiction” of the situation.
Musical Responses
Grande addressed the public scrutiny through her music. In January 2024, she released “Yes, And?” which observers interpreted as a direct response to critics of her relationship. In March 2025, the deluxe album Eternal Sunshine (Brighter Days Ahead) featured the track “Hampstead,” in which Grande candidly described her choice to date Slater as “messy” while suggesting it ultimately spared long-term pain for both herself and Gomez.
Public Appearances and Support
The couple has appeared together at several public events, including the Wicked premiere in Los Angeles in November 2024, where Grande publicly expressed support for Slater’s performance, famously adjusting his bow tie. In June 2024, they made a rare joint appearance at the Stanley Cup Finals, where sources described them as affectionate and content.
Complete Timeline of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s Relationship
- January 2023: Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez separate, according to sources cited by Elle
- 2023: Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay welcome a son; production on Wicked begins
- July 2023: Reports emerge confirming Grande and Slater are dating; sources state both were separated from spouses prior
- September 2023: Sources emphasize both individuals were separated before dating began, countering timeline concerns
- October 2023: Grande and Gomez finalize divorce; Grande and Slater move in together in New York
- January 2024: Grande releases “Yes, And?” addressing relationship criticism
- February 2024: Slater and Jay reportedly in divorce mediation
- March 2024: Grande’s Eternal Sunshine album released, referenced as explaining her perspective on relationships
- April 2024: Grande attends Slater’s final Spamalot performance, leaving hand-in-hand
- June 2024: Rare joint appearance at Stanley Cup Finals; sources describe couple as “very happy”
- September 2024: Grande defends Slater in Vanity Fair interview
- November 2024: Wicked Los Angeles premiere; Grande gushes about Slater’s support
- December 2024: Lilly Jay issues public statement about moving abroad and co-parenting
- March 2025: Grande releases “Hampstead” on deluxe album, candidly discussing relationship
- September 2025: Grande attends MTV VMAs solo; Slater congratulates her publicly; sources confirm they remain together
What We Know for Certain and What Remains Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Grande and Slater began dating in July 2023 | Exact date Slater’s marriage ended |
| Both were separated from spouses before dating | Specific details of Slater’s divorce proceedings |
| They met during Wicked production | Whether they are engaged or plan to marry |
| Grande and Gomez divorced in October 2023 | Whether the couple plans to have children together |
| Slater and Jay share a son born in 2023 | Current status of Slater’s divorce from Jay |
| As of September 2025, they remain together | Details of any private agreements regarding co-parenting |
The Context Behind the Wicked Set Controversy
The Wicked film adaptation brought together an ensemble cast at a significant moment in both Grande and Slater’s personal lives. Production schedules for major film projects often require extended periods away from home, a factor that inevitably affects family dynamics and relationships.
According to reports, Jay supported Slater’s career by moving abroad following the birth of their son, a sacrifice that placed additional strain on their marriage. The subsequent publicity surrounding Wicked‘s promotional cycle amplified existing tensions, with Jay describing her “saddest days” being linked to the film’s marketing period.
Sources consistently cited by Cosmopolitan maintained that Grande and Slater’s romantic involvement began only after both marriages had concluded, though verifying exact dates of legal separations remains difficult without court documentation.
Sources and Statements from Those Involved
“The least accurate depiction.” — Ariana Grande, describing tabloid portrayals of Ethan Slater in Vanity Fair, September 2024
“Very happy,” “in love,” with an “organic” bond. — Sources describing the couple at Stanley Cup Finals, June 2024
“Messy” but spared long-term pain — Ariana Grande in “Hampstead,” March 2025
Summary
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has continued since July 2023, surviving significant public scrutiny and media attention. Both individuals had ended their marriages before beginning their connection on the Wicked set. Sources have consistently described them as committed and content together, though the couple has prioritized privacy throughout their time together. For more on high-profile relationships in entertainment, see our coverage of The Who Fire Zak Starkey – Full Story and Timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ariana Grande file for divorce?
Grande and Dalton Gomez separated in January 2023, with their divorce finalized in October 2023, according to published reports.
What happened to Ethan Slater’s marriage?
Slater was in a relationship with Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a son born in 2023. They separated prior to July 2023, with mediation ongoing by February 2024.
Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater still together?
As of September 2025, sources confirmed they remain together and were described as “still together and very happy” despite periodic rumors.
Did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater meet on Wicked?
Yes, they met as co-stars in the Wicked film adaptation, with Grande playing Glinda and Slater portraying Boq.
Who is Ethan Slater’s ex-wife?
Ethan Slater’s ex-wife is Lilly Jay, an actress and creative professional who released a statement addressing the situation in December 2024.
What songs has Ariana Grande released about Ethan Slater?
Grande released “Yes, And?” in January 2024 and “Hampstead” in March 2025, both addressing her relationship with Slater and the public response to it.
Has Ethan Slater responded to the controversy?
Slater has largely avoided public statements about the controversy, though sources indicated he was eager to finalize his divorce by early 2024.
What was Lilly Jay’s public statement about?
In December 2024, Jay described moving abroad to support Slater’s career, experiencing “growing distance,” and discussing trauma from public exposure tied to Wicked promotion.
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