Actor Ethan Slater has returned to the public eye for the first time since reports surfaced that he and pop star Ariana Grande have quietly ended their relationship.
The Wicked star appeared on Thursday, June 11, at the Shakespeare in the Park Romeo & Juliet event held at The Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park. His appearance marked his first solo outing since news of the breakup broke.
Slater opted for a relaxed yet polished look, wearing a white T-shirt, black trousers, and white sneakers, keeping his style understated for the public event.
According to reports, the couple ended their relationship privately several months ago after dating for around three years. Sources close to the pair said the decision was mutual and made after careful consideration.
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Insiders also noted that the split remains amicable, with both Slater and Grande continuing to support each other professionally and personally despite going their separate ways.
The pair first became romantically linked in July 2023 after meeting on the set of the film adaptation of Wicked. Their relationship was later made public in November 2024, though they largely kept their romance out of the spotlight.
Throughout their time together, both stars occasionally acknowledged each other’s work on social media. Slater previously celebrated Grande’s Oscar nomination for Wicked, while Grande supported his off-Broadway performance in Marcel on the Train.
While neither has publicly commented in detail on the breakup, the latest reports suggest both are focused on their respective careers as they move forward independently.
As interest around the split continues, Slater’s appearance signals a return to normalcy, with both stars now stepping into new personal and professional chapters.