Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Still Together? The Latest on Their Private Romance

Despite constant speculation and separate red carpet appearances, sources close to Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater confirm their romance is still very much on, preferring to keep their love story out of the intense public spotlight.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Ariana and Ethan

• Breakup rumors swirling around Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are reportedly false, according to multiple sources close to the couple.
• The pair, who first connected on the set of the upcoming Wicked films, are actively choosing to keep their relationship extremely private.
• Both artists are incredibly supportive of each other's careers and are prioritizing the promotion of Wicked: For Good, which premieres this November.

Navigating the Hollywood Spotlight: Public Appearances and Private Affection

Imagine you're at a star-studded premiere, flashes going off, and the biggest names in Hollywood are all there. You're scanning for a certain high-profile couple, only to find them noticeably... apart. That's exactly what happened at the Wicked: For Good London premiere on November 10, 2025, when Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater arrived and posed for photos separately, fueling a fresh wave of breakup rumors.

However, what the public sees on the red carpet doesn't always tell the whole story. Multiple witnesses at the London event reported seeing Ariana and Ethan holding hands and being affectionate backstage, away from the prying eyes of the main press line. Sources close to the couple are adamant: they are still "absolutely together romantically" despite the online theories and media reports suggesting otherwise. Source: [TMZ, "Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater Still Together Despite Breakup Rumors," November 12, 2025].

Why the Silence? Understanding Their Preference for a Low-Key Relationship

For many celebrities, a public relationship is part of the package. But for Ariana and Ethan, privacy seems to be the priority. Insiders explain that the duo "always preferred to be low-key" and are "just private people" who want the focus to be on their movie, not their personal lives. This approach means most of their hangouts happen at home, especially since Ariana is known to be a "notorious homebody" when she's off the clock.

This deliberate choice to remain out of the public eye often leads to speculation. When they don't appear together for every photo opportunity or official event, the rumor mill kicks into overdrive. It's a trade-off: gain privacy, but risk constant whispers about your relationship status.

A Timeline of Their Romance: From Set to Subtle Support

Ariana Grande, 32, and Ethan Slater, 33, first met in 2022 on the set of the highly anticipated Wicked films. Their romance became public in July 2023. At the time, both were navigating significant personal changes; Grande finalized her divorce from Dalton Gomez in October 2023, while Slater finalized his divorce from Lilly Jay in September 2024. Source: [E! News, "Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's Relationship Timeline," updated November 11, 2025].

Since then, their relationship has unfolded with subtle gestures and private moments:

• September 2023: Ariana "liked" a photo announcing Ethan's role in Broadway's Spamalot. Later that month, they were spotted arm-in-arm at Disney World with a group of friends, including Ariana's mom and brother.
• October-November 2023: They engaged in subtle PDA at a dinner in New York City. Ariana also attended previews and opening night of Spamalot, sporting a paper crown and clutching a Playbill in support.
• December 2023-January 2024: Ariana hinted at new music, later announcing her album Eternal Sunshine. Fans quickly noticed the initials, E.S., coincidentally match Ethan Slater's. The couple also had dinner with Ariana's father, Ed Butera, in New York City.
• June 2024: Ariana's brother, Frankie Grande, publicly endorsed Ethan, stating in an interview with TooFab, "I love him, he's a very sweet guy." A few days later, they attended the 2024 Stanley Cup final in Florida, marking their most public joint outing since their romance became known.
• September 2024: In an interview with Vanity Fair, Ariana Grande publicly addressed her romance with Slater, pushing back on speculation about their timeline and defending him against negativity. Source: [E! News, "Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's Relationship Timeline," updated November 11, 2025].
• October 2024: Ethan Slater spoke out for the first time in a GQ interview about their relationship and the scrutiny, reflecting on falling in love during Wicked filming. He admitted it was "difficult about things in your private life being commented on." Source: [E! News, "Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's Relationship Timeline," updated November 11, 2025].
• November 2024: The couple attended a Wicked press event in Sydney, where they were photographed wrapping their arms around each other.

When Media Narratives Clash with Personal Realities

The challenge for public figures maintaining privacy is that external narratives can easily take on a life of their own. For instance, the New York Times, in a November 5 interview with Grande, referred to Slater as someone she "dated." This phrasing immediately sparked further speculation and was interpreted by some fans as confirmation of a quiet split. Source: [E! News, "Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Haven't Said 'Thank U, Next' to Romance Amid Breakup Speculation," November 11, 2025].

However, this can simply be a misinterpretation of a couple's deliberate privacy. While such references can fuel breakup theories, multiple close sources and the couple's observed private interactions (like backstage affection or social media support) paint a different picture, one of an ongoing, albeit carefully guarded, relationship.

Example: Imagine a film premiere where a famous actress arrives with her family, looking stunning in a floral black dress. Her co-star, also her boyfriend, is also there, but he's not by her side for official photos. Later, after the after-party, sources report he discreetly joins her at her hotel suite. This isn't just a hypothetical; it's precisely what allegedly happened with Ariana and Ethan after the Wicked: For Good London premiere, as reported by The Sun. This illustrates how their private moments often contradict public perceptions.

Support, Scrutiny, and the Future Beyond Oz

Both Ariana and Ethan are deeply invested in the upcoming Wicked films, with Wicked: For Good set to premiere on November 21. They are "incredibly supportive of each other's careers" and excited for audiences to see their hard work on screen. While navigating a massive press tour for such a high-profile movie, maintaining a private relationship becomes an even greater balancing act.

As Ethan Slater himself noted in an October 2024 GQ interview, "I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public." Yet, despite the noise, he expressed immense pride in Ariana's work on Wicked, stating, "She's poured herself into it."

The couple reportedly plans to spend "some time together out of the public eye" once the promotional duties for Wicked: For Good conclude. This indicates a clear strategy to prioritize their relationship by retreating from the intense scrutiny once their professional obligations are met.

Practical Takeaways for Following Celebrity News

• Don't always believe the buzz: Rumors, especially in the celebrity world, spread quickly. It's best to wait for official statements or credible, confirmed reports.
• Privacy is a personal choice: Even for public figures, the decision to keep aspects of their lives private should be respected, regardless of how it looks from the outside.
• Red carpet optics can be deceiving: A lack of public affection or joint appearances at events doesn't automatically mean a relationship is over; it might just be strategic.
• Focus on their craft: With Wicked: For Good on the horizon, consider shifting focus to the artistic achievements and performances these talented individuals are bringing to the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater

Here are some common questions about the couple and the upcoming Wicked film:

1. When Does "Wicked: For Good" Premiere in Theaters?

   The highly anticipated film Wicked: For Good is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 21.

2. Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Currently Married or Engaged?

   No, there have been no official reports or announcements indicating that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are married or engaged. They are reportedly still dating.

3. How Long Have Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Been Dating Each Other?

   Their romance became publicly known in July 2023, though they met on the set of Wicked in 2022. This means they have been romantically linked for over a year.

4. Why Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Choosing to Keep Their Relationship Private?

   Sources close to the couple indicate they are naturally private individuals who want the focus to remain on their professional work, particularly the upcoming Wicked films, rather than their personal lives. They prefer to spend time together away from public scrutiny.

Sources:

• TMZ, "Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater Still Together Despite Breakup Rumors," November 12, 2025.
• E! News, "Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's Relationship Timeline," updated November 11, 2025.
• E! News, "Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Haven't Said 'Thank U, Next' to Romance Amid Breakup Speculation," November 11, 2025.
• The Sun, "Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Are 'Making It Work' Amid Busy Schedules," November 13, 2025.