What to Know About Ariana Grande’s Boyfriend, Whom Users Call Her ‘Male Version’ and Blame for Leaving His Wife and Baby

Ariana Grande’s relationship with her “Wicked” co-star continues to capture public attention nearly two years after it began. Recently, they attended an event, posing for photos and publicly embracing. While some fans admire their connection, others criticize the circumstances of its beginnings, leaving public opinion divided.

While the details of their relationship unfolded gradually, the buzz around their connection quickly outpaced the promotion of the movie. The events that followed—and the reactions from fans and critics—have made their relationship one of the most talked-about topics in recent years.

Grande and Slater met while filming the movie adaptation of “Wicked,” which began production in December 2022. Grande was cast as Glinda, the Good Witch, while Slater portrayed Boq, a lovestruck munchkin with a pivotal role in the storyline.

Their collaboration on set reportedly extended beyond rehearsals, with insiders claiming the pair’s connection grew over time. By mid-2023, the pair’s relationship had turned romantic, coinciding with personal changes in their lives.

Both were reportedly separated from their spouses when their connection deepened, although the timing raised questions from fans and media alike. On set, their growing bond was glaringly obvious, with reports suggesting that their interactions occasionally blurred the lines between professional and personal.

The Controversy: Timing and Backlash

The timeline of Grande and Slater’s relationship has drawn sharp criticism due to its overlap with their respective divorces. Grande filed for divorce from Dalton Gomez in September 2023, citing irreconcilable differences.

This came just months after publicly celebrating his wife’s first Mother’s Day in May, calling her “the most loving, caring, and wonderful mom/person in the world.” The couple had been high school sweethearts and shared a child born in 2022.

November 2024 Viral Clip: Divided Opinions

In November 2024, a video of Slater interacting with fans went viral on X, reigniting public debates about his relationship with Grande. In the clip, Slater is seen mingling with fans and even taking selfies, which many viewers described as a sweet and approachable moment.

However, the responses to the video highlighted the stark divide in public opinion regarding the couple. Supporters praised Slater’s demeanor and expressed admiration for his relationship with Grande.

“He’s so nice, and every little interview I see makes me [notice] how perfect he is for Ariana,” one fan posted, while another wrote, “OMG!!! They’re perfect for each other; also, he’s ADORABLE!” Some fans even likened him to Grande, with one comment noting, “He is kinda like Ariana’s male version.”

Some fans even highlighted Grande’s potential motivations, with one writing, “I think everyone needs to realize Ariana probably goes for a sweet and funny type instead of the looks.”

Others noted his gentle nature with one saying, “He was gonna pull his phone for the selfie😭😭 omg he’s so sweet I’m crying 😭😭😭” while another one added, “I love how everyone finally [finds] out that Ethan is actually the nicest person ever while I knew it since he was Spongebob.”

On the other hand, detractors were quick to criticize, with many referencing his past. “He left his wife and newborn baby[—]is that sweet?” one user asked, echoing statements such as, “Cute and sweet? Didn’t he cheat and abandon his pregnant wife for Arianna Grande?”

“[You] guys do not get to switch up now[—]he LEFT HIS WIFE AND BABY,” another comment read. Another X user said, “[I don’t care] that he seems sweet; this man cheated on his wife who just had a baby. As much as [sic] love Ari, a big NO.”

Grande and Slater’s relationship has steadily moved from behind-the-scenes whispers to public outings, further fueling interest and controversy. Their first major appearance as a couple was in October 2023, shortly after Grande finalized her divorce.

The pair were spotted enjoying a casual dinner date in New York City. In December 2023, the couple dined with Grande’s father, Ed Butera, at her family’s favorite Italian restaurant before attending a performance of Slater’s musical, “Spamalot.”

Most recently, in January 2025, the couple made waves at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York City. Photographers captured an intimate moment as the two posed together, with Grande resting her eyes as Slater smiled warmly for the camera.

Ethan Slater: A Closer Look

Slater’s career extends beyond his recent public notoriety as Ariana Grande’s boyfriend. A Broadway talent, Slater is best known for his Tony-nominated performance as the titular character in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.”

Slater’s admiration for Grande extends beyond their personal relationship. In an interview with GQ, he expressed respect for her talent and work ethic, calling her “a genius.”

Despite Slater’s professional achievements, public attention has largely focused on his personal life. His ex-wife, Jay, is a clinical psychologist specializing in women’s mental health.

Although their split coincided with the start of his romance with Grande, sources close to the couple have consistently maintained that Slater and Jay were separated before his relationship with Grande began.

She wrote, “No one gets married thinking they’ll get divorced, especially not just after giving birth.” Despite the pain of their separation, she emphasized their shared commitment to co-parenting their son.

Lilli Cooper, who worked alongside him in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical,” expressed surprise at his new relationship but noted that he has always been a kind and professional coworker.

In response to the intense media scrutiny surrounding their relationship, Grande has taken a firm stance, addressing the controversies head-on. During a September 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, she rejected tabloid claims that Slater abandoned his family to be with her.

“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she added. She also reflected on the challenges of living under constant public scrutiny. Grande explained how years of tabloid culture had shaped her experience with fame, starting when she was a teenager.

Grande made it clear that she refuses to let media narratives define her life. “I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good,” she said.