Ariana Grande Ends Three-Year Relationship with Ethan Slater
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have separated after three years together, both actors confirmed in statements released this week. The breakup arrives just weeks before the highly anticipated release of "Wicked," the film adaptation in which both performers appear.
The Announcement
Slater, 31, broke the news in a post shared on social media on Monday. "Ariana and I are ending our marriage," Slater wrote. "This is recent and ongoing, and I ask for privacy as we navigate this." Grande, 30, has not posted publicly about the separation, though sources close to the situation confirmed the split to entertainment reporters.
The couple married in 2023. They first sparked dating speculation in 2021, shortly after Slater separated from his ex-wife, with whom he shares a young son.
Working Together on Wicked
The timing of the announcement has drawn particular attention because both actors appear in "Wicked," the big-screen adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Grande plays Glinda the Good Witch, while Slater portrays the Winkie character Boq.
Universal Pictures is releasing the film in November. The studio has declined to comment on the personal matters of cast members. Marketing for the film has continued as planned, with both actors participating in press interviews and promotional appearances in recent months.
Background on the Relationship
Grande and Slater first connected on the set of "Wicked," which filmed in the United Kingdom before moving to production stages in Los Angeles. Their relationship became public when Grande was spotted visiting Slater at his New York apartment building in mid-2021.
At the time, Slater was still married to his college sweetheart, with whom he had welcomed their son in 2022. The overlap between Slater's separation and his growing closeness with Grande drew scrutiny from tabloid media. The couple eventually confirmed their relationship later that year.
Career Trajectories
Both actors have experienced significant career milestones during their time together. Grande, already a globally recognized pop star, transitioned into acting with roles in "Hairspray Live!" and "Thank U, Next" before landing the Glinda role. The "Wicked" casting marked her most high-profile film work to date.
Slater won a Tony Award in 2018 for his performance as SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical. His casting in "Wicked" represented a notable expansion beyond his stage work into major studio filmmaking.
Public Reaction
Fans and entertainment commentators have flooded social media with reactions since the news broke. The separation has dominated trending topics on multiple platforms. Many commenters noted the coincidence of the split occurring so close to the "Wicked" premiere, speculating about how promotional appearances might unfold.
Neither actor has indicated they will step back from "Wicked" promotional duties. Industry observers expect both to appear together at least at the film's premiere, though representatives have not confirmed any specific schedule.
What Comes Next
The couple's representatives have asked for privacy as they handle the separation privately. No further statements have been issued by either side.
The November release of "Wicked" will test whether the personal split affects audience interest in the film. Both actors remain under contract for the planned sequel, "Wicked Part Two," currently scheduled for release the following year. How their working relationship evolves through that production process remains to be seen.
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