Ethan Slater dodges relationship question about Ariana Grande on live TV and breakup rumors intensify immediately

Ethan Slater sparked fresh breakup speculation when he dodged a direct question about his relationship with Ariana Grande during a Today show interview on November 21. The Wicked: For Good actor’s cryptic response comes amid intensifying rumors that the couple has split, even as sources insist they’re still together.

The Today Show Interview That Sparked Rumors

Craig Melvin asked Slater how it felt working alongside his girlfriend every day on the film. Rather than address the specific question about Grande, the 33-year-old actor quickly pivoted to praising the entire cast. He called Cynthia Erivo and Grande remarkable performers but offered notably less detail about their romantic dynamic.

“The entire cast is incredible,” Slater said, avoiding any mention of their personal relationship. He went on to discuss watching the actresses from “such a high level up close.” Fans scrutinizing the interview saw his response as evasive, fueling speculation about the couple’s status.

Months Without Public Sightings Fuel Breakup Chatter

The lack of public appearances together has intensified speculation. Sources reported that Slater and Grande have not been seen together publicly since April 2025. This extended absence from the public eye dramatically differs from their earlier relationship when they would appear at events and on social media together. The pair also notably avoided couple photos on the Wicked: For Good press tour, choosing instead to maintain separation at premieres and interviews.

Despite the cryptic interview moment and physical distance, TMZ sources confirmed in mid-November that Slater and Grande are still dating. The sources claim they have “a lot going on” but remain committed to each other.

The Relationship Timeline and Context

Timeline Event	Date
Met on Wicked film set	December 2022
Relationship confirmed by sources	July 2023
Last public appearance together	April 2025
Dodged relationship question	November 21, 2025

Slater and Grande met while filming the musical adaptation and began dating shortly after both ended their marriages in 2023. Grande divorced real estate broker Dalton Gomez while Slater separated from his ex-wife Lilly Jay. The couple’s relationship became public knowledge in July 2023, just days after Grande announced her breakup.

Wicked: For Good Press Tour Strategies Reveal Distance

During the film’s promotional campaign, the couple employed a notably different strategy than typical co-stars in relationships. Slater declined to pose with Grande for romantic couple photos at premieres and appeared separately at events. Sources explained this was intentional, though they denied it signaled a breakup.

Elle reported that the pair’s distance on red carpets had nothing to do with relationship problems, with sources confirming they were “quietly supportive” of each other behind the scenes. However, the public’s lack of visible affection at press events fueled ongoing speculation about the state of their romance.

Will They Confirm Their Relationship Status After Wicked Promotion Ends?

The Wicked: For Good press tour continues, meaning any official statement about their relationship status might remain on hold until promotion wraps. Yahoo sources suggest the couple may have been deliberately delaying breakup news until after the film’s release to protect the movie’s promotional success.

What remains clear is that Slater‘s cryptic interview response has only deepened the curiosity surrounding their relationship. Whether they emerge as a united couple or confirm a split after the press tour ends remains to be seen.

“I’m so proud of everyone I got to work with. We’re, like, a family.”

— Ethan Slater, Wicked co-star

Sources

• TMZ – Ethan Slater avoids relationship questions during Today show interview
• Page Six – Timeline of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s public appearances
• Glamour – Complete relationship timeline through November 2025