How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater – who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film

How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film

As a seasoned observer of celebrity dynamics, I must say that this story is as juicy as a ripe peach. It seems like a classic Hollywood tale of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of fame. The lives of these individuals have become a rollercoaster ride for all of us spectators.


Since people found out that Ariana Grande is dating her co-star from Wicked, Ethan Slater, their romance and doubts about the chronology of their relationship have become the main focus, eclipsing the project.

Due to a staggering $145 million investment at stake and having faced numerous setbacks in the past, the executives at Universal Pictures were concerned about how their contentious collaboration might influence the film’s box office performance.

At the commencement of filming in December 2022 for the project, Slater was already wedded to his beloved from high school, Lilly Jay. They had recently welcomed their firstborn into the world in August of the same year.

During the summer of 2023, word got out that Ariana and her husband Dalton Gomez had parted ways. Shortly thereafter, it became known that she was involved with Slater, whose split from his spouse had not yet been made public.

The romantic relationship between Grande and Slater stirred quite a commotion among her fan base. This tension intensified when Jay made critical remarks about the Thank You, Next singer in several interviews, labeling her as ‘not a woman’s friend’ and suggesting that she viewed Grande’s family as mere casualties.

It was said that the pair were advised to stay out of sight for half a year, with the expectation that any negative reaction would subside before their much-anticipated musical premiered on November 22. However, despite this advice, they’ve found it difficult to keep their affectionate displays private during the Wicked Press Tour.

How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film

How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film

And she’s been using Instagram to drop clues to her fans that the relationship is serious.

This past week, she posted photos on Instagram from her visit to Boca Raton, Florida, where she attended the performance of Wicked.

It didn’t take long for fans to spot Ethan, the actor portraying munchkin Boq, standing in the backdrop of a picture taken with him and fans, in the lobby of the Cinemark 20 movie theater.

During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Ariana’s cherished grandmother, Nonna Marjorie Grande.

Ariana ensured that she acknowledged her boyfriend as the photographer in pictures where he captured them both affectionately with her grandmother at the screening event.

Not all of her tributes have been quite so subtle, however.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked, she affectionately referred to Ethan, famously recognized for his role as Spongebob Squarepants on Broadway, as ‘charming’ or ‘endearing’.

She was overjoyed by his outstanding performance in the movie, finding him truly remarkable off-screen as well. She’s thrilled that more people are discovering him, and her heart swells with happiness.

Ethan has begun to share some details about the couple’s relationship. He confessed to GQ that this past year has been extremely significant for them, describing it as “quite a big year.” He also acknowledged that dealing with the criticism they faced was particularly challenging.

He stated, “With numerous significant personal transformations unfolding, it’s quite challenging to witness individuals who are unaware of these events making assumptions and predicting incorrectly about the people we cherish, given their lack of insight into the situation.

Indeed, it was truly a remarkable year, and a truly captivating achievement. I must admit, I’m filled with immense excitement and pride for Ari and her outstanding work on this project.

Initially, when people learned about their relationship, studio executives felt anxious about its potential influence on the movie. They sensed pressure and were advised to stay out of sight for a period of six months, which they followed accordingly. (source: DailyMail.com)

How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film

In December 2022, the co-stars came together on the British film set that was adapting the Broadway success. In this production, Ariana Grande, aged 31, portrays Glinda, the benevolent witch, and Darren Criss, who is 32 years old, plays Boq, a munchkin character.

As of that point, Ariana Grande was still wedded to Dalton Gomez. However, she initiated divorce proceedings in September 2023, specifying their separation occurred on February 20, 2023.

Three days prior to making it official, the singer disclosed her split from Gomez and shortly afterward revealed her new romance with Slater.

Simultaneously, Slater was wedded to his beloved high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, before he became part of the team.

In 2022, the actor became a parent for the first time with Jay. However, by July 2023, five years since their wedding, he had decided to file for divorce.

As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t help but follow their tumultuous journey. They pointed out irresolvable issues and sought shared custody of their boy, which was a heartbreaking turn of events for me as a devoted supporter. Eventually, in the autumn of 2023, they officially parted ways, finalizing their divorce.

A reliable insider near Ariana and Ethan suggests that the singer frequently spent time with Lilly and her newborn child on several occasions, prior to the public announcement of her relationship with her co-star. Furthermore, it is said that she shared her desire for a baby in the future with those around her, having developed this aspiration after connecting with Lilly and Ethan’s son.

How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film
How Ariana Grande used Wicked promo tour to go public with her controversial relationship with co-star Ethan Slater - who was married with a newborn baby when they started shooting film

In response to persistent rumors about infidelity that had been ongoing for several months, Ariana defended herself in her single released in January 2024, with the lyrics: “What happens with you is your concern, and what concerns me is my own/ So why are you so curious about who I’m dating?

A confidant near Lilly, aged 29, criticized the singer severely for her perceived disregard and claimed she showed little to no compassion.

After a series of unfavorable news reports, both Grande and Slater chose to avoid the limelight, appearing publicly only on rare occasions such as his debut on the Broadway show Spamalot.

According to a source, Ariana and Ethan are experienced individuals who understand that it’s unwise to mix their personal connection with professional engagements during promotional events.

Ariana feared that her individual decisions might lead to the failure of this movie. Now, they’re both divorced, and it seems like most people have left this particular episode in their past.

Despite Slater keeping quiet about their relationship for a year, the cast has rallied to offer their support to their colleagues.

According to the source, it’s common knowledge among them that they are deeply involved in a significant romance. They have been explicitly told not to disclose this information to others, and they understand that they should refrain from answering any queries about their relationship.

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2024-11-27 20:34

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