Ariana Grande has addressed the rumors surrounding her boyfriend, Ethan Slater. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, published on September 30, the 31-year-old singer expressed her disappointment over the public’s perception of Slater, 32, her co-star in the upcoming film Wicked.
Grande remarked, “The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it.” She criticized the tabloids for providing “the least accurate depiction of a human being” regarding Slater.
Grande calls out media misrepresentation and defends Slater’s character, emphasizing his dedication to loved ones
In her role as Glinda alongside Slater’s portrayal of Boq, she added, “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about.” Grande asserted, “There is no one on this earth with a better heart, and that is something that no bull—- tabloid can rewrite in real life.”
The romance between Grande and Slater was confirmed in July 2023 after they met while filming Wicked. This development occurred following Grande’s separation from her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, and Slater’s split from his ex-wife, Lilly Jay.
In early September, multiple sources shared insights with PEOPLE regarding how the couple was handling their relationship in the public eye. “A friend of the couple noted, “While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public. They are just trying to pass their new relationship in private.”
An insider added, “People have tried to question the timeline. The truth is, Ariana and Ethan didn’t begin seeing each other until after both parties were separated, respectfully.” The couple was later seen enjoying a visit to a Disney Park, followed by Grande attending a performance of Slater’s in Broadway’s Spamalot in October 2023.
They were also photographed having dinner with Grande’s father, Ed Butera, in New York City. A source told PEOPLE, “They love to support each other in their work. When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can.”
Grande’s recent remarks about Slater come on the heels of the finalization of his divorce from ex-wife Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a son born in August 2022. Slater and Jay had been married since November 2018.
