A new report has emerged concerning Ariana Grande‘s relationship with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. It suggested that the two were breaking up following the release of Wicked Part 2. Fueling speculations about the rumor was Slater’s notable absence at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Grande’s family was present at the awards ceremony, where she scored three awards out of seven nominations.
Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater headed for a breakup?
There is no official word on whether Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are heading for a breakup.
Rumors about the couple breaking up surfaced after insider Rob Shuter shared some information about the current status of their relationship on his Substack. In it, Shuter highlighted Slater’s absence at the VMAs, which Grande’s family attended.
Shuter said that sources told him that Grande and Slater have been “struggling” with their relationship “for months.” He also stated that he had been told by a close friend of his that the couple is “holding on” until Wicked: For Good’s release.
“The studio doesn’t want breakup headlines overshadowing Wicked Part Two,” he added. “But people close to them doubt this will last beyond the release.”
Shuter also shared what another friend told him regarding Grande and Slater’s relationship. The friend alleged that there was some “tension” within the former’s family, who “stood by” her when she started seeing Slater. They added that the Grammy winner’s family was “always worried she rushed in too quickly.”
However, Slater debunked breakup speculation when he took to Instagram to support Grande’s wins at the VMAs. He shared a video of Grande’s acceptance speech for “Brighter Days Ahead” and highlighted two of three wins: “Best Pop” and “Video of the Year.”
Further, Entertainment Tonight confirmed via a source that the pair were still very much together. “Ariana and Ethan are still together and very happy with each other,” they wrote. “They just enjoy keeping their private life private.” The outlet also noted that the couple supported “each other no matter what.”
Moreover, ET explained Slater’s absence. They alleged via sources that the Victorious actress didn’t want to draw attention to her personal life at the VMAs and wanted the ceremony to instead be for herself and her family.
