Fans of pop superstar Ariana Grande have been left stunned after reports emerged that she and actor Ethan Slater have quietly gone their separate ways after nearly three years of dating.
According to TMZ, the pair, who first met while filming the highly anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked, ended their romantic relationship several months ago.
Sources close to the former couple reportedly described the split as amicable, adding that the two remain supportive of each other despite deciding to part ways.
The reported breakup marks the end of one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships, which first made headlines in 2023 amid intense public scrutiny.
Grande and Slater’s romance came to light shortly after news broke that the Grammy-winning singer had separated from her then-husband, Dalton Gomez.
Around the same time, Slater had also ended his marriage to Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a child.
The timing of their relationship sparked widespread debate online, thrusting the couple into the centre of tabloid speculation.
Despite the criticism, Grande and Slater appeared determined to keep their relationship as private as possible, making only a handful of public appearances together over the years.
Their love story reportedly began on the set of Wicked, where Grande portrayed Glinda and Slater played Boq.
The project, based on the beloved Broadway musical, brought the pair together professionally before their personal relationship eventually blossomed.
Insiders quoted by entertainment outlets insist that there was no dramatic fallout behind the split. Instead, the decision is said to have been reached after careful consideration by both parties.
Reports also indicate that Grande’s upcoming musical projects were not inspired by the breakup.
The news comes at a busy time in Grande’s career.
The singer recently embarked on her highly anticipated Eternal Sunshine Tour, marking her return to the stage after years away from large-scale touring.
Industry observers have noted that Grande appears focused on her music and her fans as she navigates this new chapter in her personal life.
Meanwhile, Slater has continued building his career following his acclaimed Broadway performances and his transition into mainstream film through the Wicked franchise.
The actor earned widespread recognition for his Tony Award-nominated portrayal of SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway before joining the star-studded cast of the fantasy musical adaptation.
Although neither Grande nor Slater has publicly addressed the reports, fans across social media have been reacting with a mix of surprise, sadness and support.
Many expressed hope that both stars would find happiness moving forward, while others reflected on the intense media attention that has surrounded their relationship from the beginning.
As one chapter closes, both entertainers appear to be focusing on their careers and personal growth.
While celebrity relationships often play out under the glare of the spotlight, sources suggest that Grande and Slater’s split was handled with maturity and mutual respect.
For now, fans will be watching closely to see whether either star chooses to speak publicly about the reported breakup.
Until then, the end of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship serves as another reminder that even Hollywood’s biggest names face the same challenges of love and heartbreak as everyone else.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
