Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Face Intense Breakup Speculation Amid Wicked Press Tour

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are dodging relationship questions during their press tour for Wicked: For Good. The couple’s visible discomfort in recent interviews has sparked widespread breakup rumors. This drama unfolds as their film enters a critical awards season push.

Industry sources suggest the pair may be delaying any official announcement to protect the movie’s promotional cycle. Their silence is fueling intense speculation across social media and entertainment news outlets.

Today Show Interview Sparks Fan Theories

Ethan Slater’s recent appearance on the Today show became a focal point. Host Craig Melvin directly asked Slater about working with his “girlfriend,” Ariana Grande. Slater hesitated and nervously laughed before changing the subject entirely.

He quickly pivoted to praising the entire cast’s talent. This deliberate dodge did not go unnoticed by viewers. According to reports from Page Six, the moment immediately went viral online.

Entertainment analysts see this as a strategic move. Multiple sources indicate the couple has an agreement to avoid personal topics until after awards season. Their primary focus remains squarely on the success of Wicked: For Good.

Why Timing is Everything for the Wicked Stars

The decision to avoid relationship talk is likely calculated. Wicked: For Good is a major studio release with significant Oscar buzz. Announcing a split now could derail the positive media coverage and overshadow the film’s artistic achievements.

Sources told outlets like People Magazine that the relationship has been “on and off” for most of 2025. The initial intense connection reportedly cooled, leading to periods of distance. Yet, they presented a united front at the London premiere in November.

This pattern suggests a desire to control the narrative. By maintaining a professional facade, they keep the spotlight on their work. It is a common strategy in Hollywood during crucial promotional windows.

A Complicated Backstory Fuels Public Scrutiny

Grande and Slater’s relationship began under complex circumstances. They met on the Wicked set in 2022 while both were married to other people. Their relationship became public in July 2023, leading to swift divorces for both.

Ethan Slater’s ex-wife, Lilly Jay, was publicly critical of the relationship’s beginnings. This history has kept the couple under a microscope since day one. Every interaction is now analyzed for clues about their current status.

The prolonged press tour for the two-part Wicked saga forces them into the public eye repeatedly. This constant exposure makes controlling their personal narrative even more challenging. The pressure is undoubtedly immense.

The ongoing Ariana Grande Ethan Slater breakup speculation highlights the intense scrutiny facing modern celebrities. Their story serves as a reminder of how personal lives can become entangled with professional obligations in the spotlight.

Info at your fingertips

What did Ethan Slater say on the Today show?

Ethan Slater avoided a question about his girlfriend, Ariana Grande. He stuttered briefly before praising the entire *Wicked* cast instead. This evasion was widely interpreted as confirming relationship troubles.

Are Grande and Slater officially broken up?

No official statement has been released by either party or their representatives. Multiple entertainment sources report they are waiting until after the *Wicked* awards campaign to make any announcement.

Why would they delay a breakup announcement?

They likely want to avoid negative press overshadowing their film. *Wicked: For Good* is in the middle of a crucial promotional and awards season period where positive coverage is vital.

How did the public react to the rumors?

Fans have dissected every interview and social media post for clues. The reaction is mixed, with some expressing support and others criticizing the perceived lack of transparency.

Where did these rumors start?

Rumors of a cooling relationship began circulating in entertainment outlets in October 2025. Reports suggested the “infatuation phase” had ended, leading to an on-again, off-again dynamic.

Have Grande and Slater been seen together recently?

Yes, they were photographed together at the *Wicked: For Good* premiere in London in November 2025. They appeared professional and friendly, which some saw as an effort to quiet the rumors temporarily.