Ariana Grande is fiercely defending her relationship with Ethan Slater, her “Wicked” co-star, a year after their romance began publicized amid their divorces. Grande spoke out against criticism of their relationship, stating that the tabloids have spread inaccurate information about Slater. She praised his character and stated that he has a good heart that cannot be rewritten by tabloids. Grande also addressed the negative portrayals of herself, saying she is not the “evil diva” some make her out to be.
The media has been a significant source of stress for Grande throughout her career, with constant attempts to destroy her image since her teenage years. The news of Grande dating Slater broke in July 2023, two months before she filed for divorce from her husband of two years, Dalton Gomez. Slater, who was married to Lilly Jay since 2018, has faced backlash for moving on with Grande. Jay criticized Grande, calling her “not a girl’s girl,” to which Grande responded with defiance in her music and lyrics.
Grande’s seventh studio album, “Eternal Sunshine,” provided a platform for her to hit back at haters and stand up for herself and her relationship with Slater. In the song “Yes, And?” Grande addresses the public’s obsession with her personal life, questioning why people care so much about who she is dating. Slater, on the other hand, has chosen to remain quiet on the controversy surrounding their relationship, preferring to keep his personal life private.
Despite the scrutiny from the media and public, Grande and Slater have maintained a relatively low profile in their relationship, enjoying rare date nights together. From attending an NHL game to dining out in New York City, the couple has continued to spend quality time with each other. Grande’s public defense of their relationship and her insistence on the inaccuracies spread by tabloids show her commitment to standing up for her partner and their happiness together.
Overall, Grande’s strong defense of her relationship with Ethan Slater in the face of criticism and negative portrayals shows her determination to protect her partner and the love they share. Despite facing challenges and scrutiny from the media and public, Grande remains steadfast in her support for Slater and their relationship. By speaking out and addressing the falsehoods spread by the tabloids, Grande is reclaiming her narrative and asserting her right to love and happiness with her partner. Their private moments together and shared experiences show a strong bond between them, despite the challenges they face in the public eye.
