Ethan Slater, the actor and singer who rose to prominence for his Tony-nominated performance in the Broadway adaptation of SpongeBob SquarePants, has been in the spotlight not only for his career but also for his personal life.
In particular, his relationships with Lilly Jay and Ariana Grande have drawn significant public attention, with both being subjects of media fascination. Here’s a closer look at Slater’s dating history.
Lilly Jay
Ethan Slater’s love story with Lilly Jay began long before the Broadway stages and movie sets. The two were high school sweethearts, beginning their relationship in 2012. Their bond grew over the years, leading to their marriage in 2018.
Known for their enduring connection, Slater and Jay seemed like a picture-perfect couple. In August 2022, the pair welcomed their first child, a son, marking a joyous milestone in their relationship.
However, in 2023, their marriage faced difficulties that ultimately led to Slater filing for divorce in July, mere days after news of his relationship with Grande broke. The divorce was finalized in September 2024, marking the end of over a decade-long relationship.
The timing of their split coincided with reports of Slater’s involvement with pop star Ariana Grande, igniting speculation about the reasons for their separation.
Jay, a clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal care, recently opened up about the end of their marriage in an essay for The Cut. She candidly shared the emotional toll of their separation and the challenges of co-parenting in the public eye.
Despite their differences, Jay and Slater have committed to raising their son together, prioritizing his well-being above all else. Her essay was widely regarded as a heartfelt and mature approach to navigating a difficult situation.
Ariana Grande
Ethan Slater’s relationship with Ariana Grande began in early 2023, during the filming of the much-anticipated Wicked movie adaptation. In the film, Slater plays Boq, a love-struck Munchkin, while Grande stars as Glinda, the Good Witch. The two reportedly grew close on set, sparking rumors of a budding romance.
At the time their relationship became public, both Slater and Grande were in the process of separating from their respective spouses. Grande, who was married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez, had separated from him in September 2023, with their divorce finalized in October of that same year, though some sources did report they may have split as early as January 2023. The overlapping timelines of both breakups and new relationships led to significant public speculation.
Slater and Grande’s relationship has faced intense scrutiny, with fans and tabloids dissecting every aspect of their romance.
Despite the controversy, sources close to the couple have indicated that they are trying to maintain a private and low-profile relationship. Reports suggest that they are happy together and focusing on building a future away from the noise of the media.
Conclusion
As Ethan Slater balances his personal life with his growing career, his relationships remain a point of interest for fans and media alike. While the spotlight on his private life continues, Slater appears focused on forging ahead with both his career and his new chapter with Grande.