They faced intense public backlash to be together, but now Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have quietly split

After nearly three years of romance that began on the set of Wicked, sources say the couple ended their bond months ago.

When you risk your public image and marriages for love, you hope it lasts forever. Sometimes, the quiet end of a romance hurts worse than the loud drama that started it.

WHAT HAPPENED

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have broken up. The co-stars first met on the set of the movie Wicked.

They started dating in July 2023. Both had just ended their marriages.

Sources say the split was quiet and happened a few months ago. The two stars still plan to stay friends.

What the timeline shows

• 3 years: The time they spent together after meeting on a film set.
• July 2023: The month they first went public after their divorces.
• 0: The number of new songs about the split on her new album.
• 1: The tour opener in Oakland that Ethan did not attend.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why do big romances born on movie sets struggle to last in the real world? When the cameras stop, stars face the choices they made.

Should we ask if constant public eye makes love too hard to keep? It is easy to judge, but real people have to live with the fallout.

THE OTHER SIDE

We reached out to reps for both stars, but they have not replied. Sources close to them say the split was mutual and friendly.

This claim seems strong since they kept the split quiet for months.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Ariana Grande is now on her new music tour. Ethan Slater will keep working on his own stage shows.

This means fans will no longer see the two Wicked stars together as a couple.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Which month did they actually decide to end the romance?

• Did public pressure play a part in the breakup?
• How will they promote their movie together now?