Actor Ethan Slater is opening up about his relationship with Ariana Grande for the first time.
The couple, who met and fell in love on the set of Wicked, have kept their relationship as private and quiet as possible since they were first linked together in the summer of 2023. Recently, both parties have shared a little more insight on their connection and how they navigated a tirade of criticism and speculation.
Slater broke his silence in a new cover story with GQ, and addressed some of the public conversation around the beginning of their relationship — and what it was like to fall for his costar.
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Slater, who plays a Munchkin named Boq who is in love with Grande's character Glinda in the forthcoming film adaptation of the book and Broadway musical, said that 2023 was “a super big year" in many ways, as it was “really difficult” to have his private life splashed across the internet. (In July 2023, Slater filed for divorce from this then-wife, Lilly Jay, who he shares a young son with.)
“There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love,” he explained. "But, of course, it was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited.”
He also took a moment to praise Grande for her work on the film, blushing when interviewer Eileen Cartter asked about the experience of falling in love on set. “I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this,” Slater said. "She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”
Slater also addressed Grande's most recent album, Eternal Sunshine, namely the song “Imperfect for You,” which he previously shared on his Instagram Story and is rumored to be about him. “She’s such an amazing performer, and I think everyone knows how good she is [as] a recording artist and all that — but I’m just really blown away by the songwriting. I love that song.” Slater adds that while he also does some songwriting of his own, it's just a hobby for now.
Last month, Grande also addressed her relationship with Slater for the first time while speaking to Vanity Fair, and also condemned the public backlash. “The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it,” she said. "There couldn't be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him.
“No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about,” she continued. "There is no one on this earth with a better heart, and that is something that no bullsh*t tabloid can rewrite in real life.” You can see the couple in action on-screen when Wicked: Part One hits theaters on November 22, 2024.
