Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship timeline has been the subject of intense public scrutiny since it first surfaced in mid-2023.
What started as a working relationship on the set of Wicked quickly turned into a romance, making headlines for its timing and personal complexities. From their first interactions to their latest public appearances in 2025, here’s a detailed look at their relationship timeline.
How Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater First Met
Grande and Slater met while working on the highly anticipated two-part Wicked adaptation. Grande, starring as Glinda, and Slater, cast as Boq, formed a professional bond while filming. Their on-set chemistry was apparent to many, though at the time, both were still publicly committed to their respective spouses.
From Co-Stars to Couple: Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s Relationship Timeline
Early 2023: Personal Lives in Transition
At the start of 2023, both Grande and Slater were going through significant personal changes. Grande had been married to Dalton Gomez since 2021, but their relationship had reportedly been strained due to long-distance and lifestyle differences. Meanwhile, Slater was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a child.
Grande and Gomez officially separated on February 20, 2023, though insiders suggest they had been growing apart for months. Slater’s marriage also faced turbulence, but the exact timeline of his separation from Jay remains unclear. These overlapping transitions fueled speculation and controversy.
July 2023: Romance Confirmed
By mid-2023, reports emerged that Grande and Slater had begun dating. Sources close to the couple insisted that their romance started only after both had ended their previous relationships. However, public reaction was swift and polarized, with some fans expressing support and others criticizing the timing of their involvement.
Lilly Jay, Slater’s ex-wife, publicly addressed the situation, calling herself “collateral damage” and implying that the relationship had upended her family. This statement only intensified the public’s scrutiny of Grande and Slater’s budding romance.
September 2023: First Public Outing
The couple was spotted together for the first time at Disney World in September 2023. Grande, known for her love of the theme park, was seen enjoying the day with Slater, her family, and close friends. While they didn’t confirm their relationship directly, their affectionate interactions made it clear they were together.
November 2023: Grande Supports Slater’s Broadway Career
As Slater returned to Broadway for the revival of Spamalot, Grande was there to cheer him on. She attended the show’s opening night and later shared her praise for his performance on social media. This public display of support signaled that they were embracing their relationship despite external criticisms.
November 2024: Wicked Premiere Marks a Major Relationship Milestone
With the release of Wicked Part One approaching, the couple made their first official red carpet appearance together in Los Angeles. Grande and Slater posed for photos, and during interviews, she expressed admiration for his talent, saying, “He’s always that adorable, and he’s so amazing in this film.”
This event marked a turning point, as fans and industry insiders began viewing their relationship through the lens of their shared artistic journey rather than just the controversy surrounding its origins.
February 2025: SAG Awards Appearance
Grande and Slater attended the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards together in early 2025, where Grande was nominated for her performance in Wicked. The couple was seen displaying subtle but affectionate gestures throughout the night, confirming their strong bond. Lip readers even caught Slater whispering a heartfelt compliment to Grande, which quickly went viral on social media.
Public Reactions & Media Controversies
When their relationship first became public, it sparked divided opinions. While some fans supported them, others accused them of breaking up marriages. The controversy was further fueled by comments from Slater’s ex-wife, who voiced her disappointment.
Media outlets dissected every move, with tabloids emphasizing the drama while others focused on their professional success. However, as time passed and their commitment became evident, much of the initial backlash faded. By 2025, their public appearances had shifted the narrative – less about controversy and more about their shared success and happiness.
Are They Still Together in 2025?
As both continue to balance their careers and personal lives, they remain a strong couple. With Wicked: Part Two slated for release in 2025, they are expected to make more public appearances together. Whether their relationship leads to engagement rumors or simply continues to evolve, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s journey remains one of the most talked-about celebrity romances of recent years.
Their story is one of transition, resilience, and finding connection amid life’s complexities. Despite the initial backlash, they’ve emerged as a couple embracing their happiness while navigating the challenges of the spotlight.
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