Ethan Slater appears to have addressed the swirling speculation about his relationship with pop superstar Ariana Grande after months of rumours suggesting the couple might be heading for a split.
The pair, who first met on the set of Wicked in 2022, began dating the following year while Slater was still married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay.
Though the couple hasn’t been spotted together since April, and their wedding plans were reportedly put on hold last month, Ethan seemed to hint that all may not be lost with a carefully curated Instagram post over the weekend.
Instagram Post Sparks Hope
The post, which followed NBC’s special Wicked: One Wonderful Night, featured a series of backstage photos, including one showing Ariana and co-star Bowen Yang in a Wicked-themed photo booth.
Fans quickly noticed that Ariana appeared multiple times across Ethan’s gallery, fueling speculation that the two remain close.
The timing of the post also coincides with the upcoming London premiere of Wicked: For Good, set for November 21.
Both Ethan and Ariana are expected to attend, along with the rest of the cast, making the premiere a major public moment for the pair.
A Complicated Romance From the Start
When their relationship was first revealed in July 2023, Ariana had recently split from her husband Dalton Gomez, while Slater was still married to Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son.
Later that year, rumors circulated that Ariana had moved in with Slater in New York City during his run in the Broadway musical Spamalot, marking a significant step in their relationship.
Their romance has not been without drama.
Ariana’s singles Yes, and? and The Boy is Mine appear to reflect the intense public scrutiny surrounding their relationship, with lyrics hinting at a man she shouldn’t date and the backlash she faced from fans.
Industry Rumours and Media Speculation
Speculation about the stability of the romance has persisted for months, with industry insiders predicting the couple may wait to make any official statement until after Wicked 2 premieres, so as not to overshadow the film or the 2026 awards season.
Earlier this month, blind items hinted that Slater might face restrictions on solo press appearances and that Ariana had instructed that questions about her significant other be off-limits during interviews.
Sources have told the Daily Mail that Ariana’s intense fan base and high-profile career have been ongoing challenges for the couple, with Slater previously describing her followers as “ferocious” and “intense.”
Wicked: For Good Sets the Stage
Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu, marks the highly anticipated sequel to the original Wicked film.
The first movie was a box office smash, grossing around $747.2 million on a $150 million budget, and earned 10 Academy Award nominations, winning two earlier this year.
As the premiere approaches, all eyes will be on Ethan and Ariana—both for their performances on screen and their relationship off it.
Whether the Instagram post signals a reconciliation or a carefully managed public image, the world will be watching.