Amid intense online speculation suggesting a split, sources close to Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have emphatically confirmed that the couple’s relationship is still “solid” and “the real deal.” Rumors swirled after the Wicked co-stars maintained a highly noticeable distance during the film’s recent London premiere, avoiding posing together on the red carpet and standing apart in official group photos. However, insiders insist the pair are simply choosing to keep their romance private.
Multiple sources spoke to outlets like PEOPLE and TMZ this week to quash the speculation. A source told PEOPLE that despite their jam-packed schedules including the Wicked: For Good press tour and Slater’s upcoming Off-Broadway play they are “making it work” and are “incredibly supportive of each other’s careers.” Furthermore, eyewitnesses at the London event confirmed to TMZ that Grande and Slater were seen holding hands and being affectionate backstage.
The pop star herself offered a subtle public rebuttal to the gossip, later including a “sweet snapshot” of Slater within a carousel of photos from the London premiere shared on her Instagram account. Insiders explain that the low-key approach is a deliberate strategy, stating that Grande and Slater are just “private people” who prefer to keep the focus on their highly anticipated film rather than their personal lives.
The news that the Ariana Grande Ethan Slater relationship is going strong provides clarity ahead of the November 21 release of Wicked: For Good. By prioritizing their privacy and managing the intense public scrutiny that has followed them since mid-2023, the couple appears focused on navigating the pressures of fame while building a strong foundation away from the spotlight.
