Ethan Slater Shares Instagram Post Featuring Ariana Grande Following Months of Split Speculation Ahead of Wicked For Good Premiere in London

Ethan Slater has finally seemed to address swirling rumours about his relationship with pop superstar Ariana Grande.

Gossip had been mounting that the couple was heading for a split, and fans were eager for clarity.

The two first crossed paths on the set of Wicked in 2022, and sparks flew soon after.

By 2023, they were dating—even as Slater was still legally married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay.

Wedding Plans Put on Hold

Back in October, Daily Mail revealed that the couple’s wedding plans had been paused.

While they haven’t been photographed together since April, insiders have hinted that their relationship has been “on and off” for several months.

Amidst the speculation, Ethan appeared to quietly respond over the weekend with a telling Instagram post.

Instagram Hints at Togetherness

Ethan’s recent gallery of snaps included Ariana front and center, particularly in a backstage photo featuring her and co-star Bowen Yang in a Wicked-themed photobooth.

The timing was significant, coming shortly after NBC’s special Wicked: One Wonderful Night, where Ariana performed alongside Cynthia Erivo.

The performance previewed songs from the highly anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, which is set to hit theaters on November 21.

The Couple’s Complicated History

When their romance first made headlines in July 2023, Ariana had just finalized her split from Dalton Gomez.

Ethan, meanwhile, was still married to Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a one-year-old son.

By November of that year, reports suggested Ariana had moved in with Slater in New York during his Broadway stint in Spamalot, escalating the romance into something more serious.

Songs That Sparked Speculation

The pair’s relationship hasn’t been without drama.

Ariana’s singles Yes, and? and The Boy is Mine drew attention for lyrics that seemed to reflect criticism she faced over dating Slater.

Fans and critics alike have speculated about whether their romance could survive the pressures of fame and public scrutiny.

Rumours and Media Speculation

Adding fuel to the fire, blind items surfaced earlier this month claiming that Slater would not be allowed to do solo press for Wicked: For Good.

Another tip suggested that Ariana had issued strict instructions for interviews to avoid questions about her relationship.

In past interviews, Slater himself admitted that Ariana’s fan base could be “ferocious” and “intense,” highlighting the challenges of dating someone at her level of fame.

Looking Ahead to the Sequel

Wicked: For Good is directed by Jon M. Chu, the award-winning filmmaker behind the 2024 blockbuster.

The first Wicked movie was a massive success, raking in $747.2 million on a $150 million budget and earning 10 Academy Award nominations, two of which it won earlier this year.

Both Ethan and Ariana are expected to attend the London premiere, marking a high-profile moment for the couple amidst all the speculation.

What Comes Next

While fans continue to scrutinize every social media post and public appearance, the couple’s next moves remain closely watched.

Whether Ethan and Ariana choose to address their relationship publicly or keep it private until after the sequel’s release, one thing is certain: the Wicked buzz isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.