Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater End Three-Year Romance
- Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have ended their relationship after nearly three years, according to multiple entertainment outlets.
- The news was first reported by the BBC on June 9, 2026, citing “multiple sources familiar with the situation.” *People* later confirmed the development, noting that the couple...
- Grande and Slater first met on the set of *Wicked*, in which they played the leads Elphaba and Fiyero.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have ended their relationship after nearly three years, according to multiple entertainment outlets. The pair, who co-starred in the 2024 film *Wicked*, reportedly separated months ago, with sources confirming the split to outlets including *People* and *TMZ*. Neither party has publicly addressed the matter, and no official statements have been released.
The news was first reported by the BBC on June 9, 2026, citing “multiple sources familiar with the situation.” *People* later confirmed the development, noting that the couple had “quietly parted ways” in early 2026. *TMZ* added that the separation followed a period of “increased distance” between the two, though no specific reasons were disclosed. *Page Six* and *ELLE* also reported the split, with one source telling *ELLE* that the decision was “mutual and amicable.”
Grande and Slater first met on the set of *Wicked*, in which they played the leads Elphaba and Fiyero. The film, an adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical, premiered in November 2024 and became a global box office success, grossing over $450 million worldwide. Their relationship, which began during the film’s production, was widely covered in the media, with the pair frequently spotted at events and public appearances together.
The couple’s engagement in 2023 generated significant attention, as Grande had previously been in a high-profile relationship with comedian Pete Davidson. Slater, a stage actor known for his role in the Broadway production of *Hairspray*, has remained relatively private about his personal life compared to Grande’s public career. Both have maintained active social media presences, though they have not commented on the split.
Industry insiders suggest the separation may be linked to the pressures of their respective careers. Grande, who has been actively touring and promoting her 2024 album *SOS*, has faced scrutiny over her public persona and creative decisions. Slater, meanwhile, has continued working on stage productions, including a recent revival of *The Importance of Being Earnest* in London. A source close to Slater told *Page Six* that “the demands of their schedules made it difficult to sustain a long-distance relationship, but they remain friends.”
The split comes amid broader conversations about relationships in the entertainment industry, where public and private lives often intersect. In 2025, Grande’s ex-partner Pete Davidson publicly addressed his own relationship struggles, while Slater has previously spoken about the challenges of balancing fame with personal life. A representative for Grande declined to comment on the matter, stating only, “The couple has chosen to keep their personal lives private.”

Both artists have continued to focus on their professional endeavors. Grande recently announced a new world tour, set to begin in late 2026, while Slater is set to star in a new off-Broadway production later this year. Their respective teams have not indicated any changes to upcoming projects.
The development underscores the evolving nature of celebrity relationships in the digital age, where personal decisions are often scrutinized by fans and media alike. While the couple has not provided details, their separation aligns with a trend of high-profile figures opting for privacy amid public interest. As of June 2026, no further updates have been released regarding their status.
