Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have reportedly broken up after three years together, according to multiple sources. The 32-year-old pop star and the 34-year-old actor parted ways “several months ago,” as reported by TMZ, with the separation described as amicable.
A source told Page Six that the stars have remained friends since the breakup and “have nothing but respect and admiration for one another.” The insider added, “This wasn’t a decision they took lightly, but realised they were better off friends than a committed relationship. Ariana is feeling really happy and focused on the next chapter with her Eternal Sunshine tour and the upcoming release of her album Petal.”
The Beginning of Their Relationship
Grande and Slater first connected while working on the Wicked films, where Grande played Glinda and Slater portrayed Boq. Their relationship became public in July 2023, shortly after Grande split from her then-husband Dalton Gomez and Slater separated from his high school sweetheart turned wife Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a three-year-old son named Ezra.
Slater’s ex-wife was reportedly “devastated” by the news, with sources telling TMZ in July 2023 that she felt he had “turned his back on his family.”
Private Relationship and Public Appearances
Despite keeping most of their three-year relationship private, Grande and Slater were spotted on several public outings, including trips to Disneyland and a dinner at New York City’s Mandarin Oriental. Slater also shared intimate photos of Grande celebrating Christmas holidays last December.
Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour
Grande kicked off her highly anticipated Eternal Sunshine tour on Saturday in Oakland, California, where she performed many of her hit songs, including “Thank U, Next” — a track famously about her ex-boyfriends Pete Davidson, Big Sean, and Mac Miller.
Following the concert, she posted pictures on Instagram with the caption: “Oakland, night one … it feels impossible to find the words at this time … so for now, just thank you. From the bottom of my heart.” She added that she has “missed” her fans, as her last tour was in 2019.
The former Disney star also performed her new single “Hate that I Made You Love Me” from her upcoming record and concluded the show with “Rain On Me,” featuring pre-recorded vocals from collaborator Lady Gaga.
TMZ reported that Grande’s upcoming album, set for release on July 31, is not inspired by her relationship or breakup with Slater.
