Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship hasn’t exactly been well-received by fans. Since both had just split from their spouses before dating each other, many speculated they had an affair. Despite the overwhelming discourse online, the Wicked movie co-stars have been silent about the accusations. That is, until now. In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Grande addressed her controversial relationship with Slater for the first time.
Did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Have An Affair?
On Monday, Sept. 30, Vanity Fair published a cover story featuring Wicked leading ladies Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Throughout the piece, the actresses went into detail about their work and personal relationships. At one point, Grande even addressed the elephant in the room: Her romance with Ethan Slater, which has overshadowed some of the publicity surrounding the upcoming Jon M. Chu film.
Over a year after Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater sparked dating rumors in July 2023, the singer has finally confirmed that she saw all of “the negativity” surrounding their relationship in the press. While it wasn’t easy, Grande says she can “understand” why their romance was picked apart. “It was a field day for the tabloids to sort of create something that paid their bills,” she said.
Although Grande has become used to “disreputable tabloids” attacking her, it was different having to see someone close to her get unnecessarily criticized by the media and even her own fans. “The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it,” she explained, seemingly referencing the affair rumors. “That was definitely a tough ride.”
Since people speculated Slater left his wife and child to be with Grande, the pop star defended her boyfriend by praising his character. “There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she said, adding that he always shows up “for the people that he loves and cares about.”
Grande continued to speak highly of Slater by insisting that “no one” has a “better heart” than him. “That is something that no bullsh*t tabloid can rewrite in real life,” she said.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have been going strong for about a year. Soon, fans can catch them in the Wicked movie when it hits theaters on Nov. 22.
