Ethan Slater returns to spotlight after quiet split from Ariana Grande

Ethan Slater has made his first public appearance following reports that he and Ariana Grande have quietly ended their relationship after nearly three years together.

The Wicked actor, 34, attended Shakespeare in the Park’s production of Romeo & Juliet at The Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park on Thursday, June 11, marking his return to public life shortly after news of the split surfaced.

Slater kept his appearance casual for the outing, wearing a white T-shirt, black trousers and white sneakers, completing the look with a silver chain as he walked the event’s green carpet.

His appearance comes days after People confirmed that Slater and Grande, 32, had ended their relationship after being together since meeting on the set of Wicked in 2023, where Grande played Glinda, and Slater portrayed Boq.

A source previously told People that the former couple had been “quietly broken up for several months” and that the decision was made amicably after “lots of time and careful consideration.”

“They are still friends and very supportive of one another,” the source said, adding that the separation was not sudden but the result of a gradual decision.

Following the split, Grande has remained focused on her professional commitments, including her Eternal Sunshine tour, which began on June 6, as well as the upcoming release of her album Petal on July 31.

Sources close to the singer have described her as “incredibly focused” on her tour preparations, noting that she has been dedicating significant time to rehearsals and production.

“She’s seemed very happy. It’s all been very positive vibes,” a source said, adding that reconnecting with fans has been a key motivation for her return to touring.

Grande last toured in 2019, and insiders said her return to the stage has been both emotional and highly anticipated, with the singer reportedly putting extensive work into the production.

Slater and Grande’s relationship became public in 2024 after the pair confirmed their romance on Instagram. Despite maintaining a relatively private relationship, they occasionally supported each other publicly, including during major career milestones.

In January 2025, Slater shared a post celebrating Grande’s Oscar nomination for Wicked, while Grande later congratulated him on the conclusion of his off-Broadway production Marcel on the Train.

The pair first met while working together on Wicked and later appeared at several promotional events for both Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good.

Although they largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight, Grande previously spoke warmly about Slater in a 2024 interview, describing him as “adorable” and praising his work ethic and talent.

A source previously said the two had continued to support one another despite demanding schedules, even as their careers pulled them in different directions.