Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly called it quits months ago, but according to insiders, the pair’s nearly three-year romance had been anything but steady long before the breakup became public. Multiple sources are alleging that Grande and Slater quietly split “several” months ago after navigating an “on-off” relationship behind the scenes. The breakup comes as Ariana Grande gears up for a packed professional chapter, including her “Eternal Sunshine” tour, a new album, and a major role in the upcoming “Meet the Fockers” sequel.
While fans speculated about the status of their relationship in recent months, Page Six insiders claim Grande and Slater had been navigating turbulence for quite some time.
When rumors first surfaced that the pair had split in late 2025, one friend of Grande reportedly admitted they were skeptical the romance would last. “If I had to look into my crystal ball, would I think they would stay together? No,” the source told Page Six.
Signs Grande And Slater’s Relationship Was In Trouble
Those close to the couple reportedly noticed signs of trouble months earlier. According to insiders, Slater’s appearance at Grande’s hosting gig during “Saturday Night Live”’s holiday show in December caught many by surprise, as the pair had reportedly not been seen together in weeks.
“I thought they were broken up,” one onlooker reportedly said after spotting Slater at dress rehearsal. Another insider added, “People definitely were surprised that Ethan turned up. No one thought they were together… they were on off, on off, on off.”
Photos shared by Grande’s close friend Elizabeth Gillies later showed the pair together over the holidays, while Slater also offered fans a glimpse into their “very merry” season on social media. However, it would reportedly mark one of the last public glimpses of the couple together.
Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater’s Romance Faced Backlash From The Start
Grande and Slater’s relationship sparked controversy almost immediately after reports surfaced in 2023 that they were dating while working together on “Wicked” in London. At the time, Slater had recently separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son.
Their relationship was publicly confirmed just days after Grande announced the end of her marriage to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez. The timing fueled backlash online, with both Grande and Slater facing accusations of infidelity, something sources close to the pair have repeatedly denied.
“There was no cheating… neither of them should have been branded cheaters; that’s not who either of them are,” one insider reportedly told the outlet.
Still, tensions escalated publicly after Jay shared emotional comments about the fallout of her marriage. “My family is just collateral damage,” she previously told Page Six before later reflecting on the painful experience in an essay for The Cut.
“I confidently moved to another country with my two-month-old baby and my husband to support his career,” Jay wrote. “Consumed by the magic and mundanity of new motherhood, I didn’t understand the growing distance between us.”
Pete Davidson Is Still Reportedly Protective Of Grande
Even years after their whirlwind romance, Grande’s ex-fiancé Pete Davidson reportedly remains protective of the singer. Grande and Davidson famously got engaged in 2018 just weeks after they started dating before ultimately ending their relationship later that year following the death of Grande’s ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller.
According to a friend of Davidson’s, the comedian still thinks highly of Grande despite the passage of time. “She’s been through a lot in her life, and Pete admires her so much, she just keeps working and just keeps outdoing herself,” the source reportedly shared.
The insider added that although the former couple hasn’t spoken in some time, Davidson remains “extremely protective” of the pop star.
Ariana Grande Is Focusing On Work Following Split
Though Grande and Slater have reportedly gone their separate ways romantically, insiders insist the split was amicable. “She and Ethan are still friends,” one source said. “This is not a dramatic breakup, it’s not like that at all…it was not an overnight thing, it was a thoughtful decision, there’s no break in communication.”
Professionally, Grande has remained busier than ever. The singer recently launched her “Eternal Sunshine” tour and is preparing to promote “Focker-in-Law,” the latest installment in the “Meet the Fockers” franchise, in which she stars alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro.
According to those close to Grande, her upcoming album Petal will not focus on heartbreak. “It’s not about romantic love,” one friend reportedly said. “It’s Ari’s way of responding to all the headlines.”