Ariana Grande has spoken out about the intense scrutiny she faces in the public eye, particularly concerning her relationship with Ethan Slater. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the pop star admitted that navigating public perception "never gets easier."
Grande addressed the criticism stemming from her relationship with Slater, her Wicked co-star, which began amidst their respective separations from their former spouses. Slater finalized his divorce from Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young child, in September 2024.
Reports of Grande's separation from her ex-husband surfaced shortly before news of her relationship with Slater broke, sparking online speculation regarding the timeline of their romance. While the exact start date of their relationship remains unclear, sources close to the couple maintain that it began after both had separated from their partners.
Grande previously addressed the backlash in an interview with Vanity Fair, calling the negative portrayals of Slater as someone who abandoned his family for her "bullshit." She defended Slater's character, emphasizing his dedication to loved ones. Grande and Slater made their relationship Instagram official in November 2024.