Natasha Jokic

As we journey through this swirling abyss we call life, I know one question haunts these delicate times: Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater still together?

Two people in elegant attire embrace at a formal event. One holds a small handbag, and onlookers are nearby, capturing the moment
Rich Polk / Penske Media via Getty Images

Recall the bygone era of the summer of 2023, when the pair made headlines for their new romance amid the then-recent demise of their respective marriages.

Two people seated at a formal event, one wearing a suit, the other in an elegant dress with floral details, smiling at the camera
Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images

For what it’s worth, Ariana did later allude to infidelity rumors, declining to go into detail but saying, “The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it…There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him.”

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Now, as Wicked: For Good comes screaming into our lives, speculation has abounded that the two have broken up. The evidence? Well, there are tabloids and blind items that suggest that the relationship is in trouble, but it’s worth taking those with a grain of salt.

Two people in formal attire smile and interact with others at an event, possibly an awards ceremony
Michael Buckner / Variety via Getty Images

Then there was Ethan’s absence at the MTV VMAs, where Ariana won the Video of the Year award surrounded by her family. It was another one that sparked the rumor mill, though Ethan did later share a clip of Ariana’s acceptance speech on his Instagram story. Again, tough to make specific judgments given that the two weren’t always super public about things in the best of times.

Group of people sitting together at an event. A woman in the center wears a white dress and is surrounded by smiling attendees
Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images for MTV

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The closest one of them has come to directly addressing the other in an interview was last month, when Ethan was asked for his response to fans following Ariana’s tour selling out. He replied, “Ari’s fans are unbelievable and incredible and ferocious in their support of her — and it’s a beautiful thing…And I really hope that there are other opportunities to see her perform. It’s really intense, and I’ve been sort of following along, but it’s kind of an amazing thing that so many people wanna see her shows, you know? Like what a beautiful thing.”

Person on a red carpet interviewed, wearing a classic suit, with a backdrop promoting a TV series event
People / Via people.com

Then we get to today, when the first look at the television special Wicked: One Wonderful Night was revealed. And who is dutifully sharing photos of Ariana on his story? Yes, Ethan.

A performer in an elegant gown sings on stage, surrounded by an orchestra and fog effects
Griffin Nagel / NBC / Via Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/stories/ethanslater/3749027679749048506/

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He’s even gone ahead and “liked” and shared Ari’s BTS pictures from her page:

Person sitting cross-legged, smiling, in front of stacked vintage suitcases. Casual clothing and relaxed setting
katiatemkin / Via Instagram: @katiatemkin

They did also “like” one another’s official Wicked: For Good cast portraits (though…they did “like” everyone’s portraits).

Instagram profiles showing Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande, both marked as "Following."
Wicked / Via instagram.com

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More tellingly, Ariana “liked” Ethan’s Gen V post shortly after it was published:

Instagram post liked by user 'arianagrande' and 9,403 others, posted 44 minutes ago
Ethan Slater / Via instagram.com

In short, what have we learned? Not much.

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