Ethan Slater made his first public appearance since reports surfaced that he and Ariana Grande had quietly ended their relationship, and he appeared relaxed and upbeat at a theater outing in New York City on June 11. Slater attended Shakespeare in the Park’s production of “Romeo & Juliet” at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where he was photographed smiling for cameras in a casual white T-shirt, black trousers, white sneakers, and a silver chain. Video from the event showed him posing confidently and alone, with no visible signs of distress following the breakup news.
A source confirmed on June 8 that Slater and Grande had ended their romance after nearly three years together. According to the report, the couple had actually been broken up privately for several months before the news became public. The source said the split was amicable, stressing that there was no conflict between them and that they remain friends who are still supportive of each other.
Grande, meanwhile, is said to be focusing on her career, particularly her Eternal Sunshine tour, which began on June 6. The report described her as doing well and not being upset by the breakup. Both performers appear to be moving forward separately while maintaining a cordial relationship.
Slater and Grande reportedly met on the set of the musical “Wicked,” where Grande played Glinda and Slater portrayed Boq. Dating rumors began in July 2023, and the couple later went public with their relationship on Instagram in November 2024. During their relationship, both stars spoke warmly about each other in interviews. Grande called Slater an “amazing person” and praised his work in “Wicked,” while Slater described Grande’s performance in “Wicked: For Good” as “out of this world.”
The article also noted that breakup speculation had circulated for months before the split became public. In December 2025, Grande was reported to have reflected on her late ex, Mac Miller, during a Chapman University appearance, speaking about how he influenced her music and encouraged her to blend pop and R&B. Grande and Miller collaborated on several songs, including “The Way,” “Into You” remix, and “My Favorite Part.” Miller died on September 7, 2018, from an accidental overdose.
Grande’s dating history includes several high-profile relationships in the entertainment industry. Before Slater and Miller, she dated actor Graham Phillips, MTV personality Jai Brooks, singer Nathan Sykes, rapper Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez.
