Why Did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Break Up? The Real Reason Behind Their Split

Published 06/09/2026, 5:56 PM EDT

via Imago

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have reportedly split after almost three years together, as per new reports. Since the couple’s relationship became public knowledge, there has been intense interest in their every appearance and career milestone. Even though both have largely been mum on details about their relationship, recent reports suggest a big change in their status. 

When the news saw the light of day, it garnered fans’ interest who wanted to know what exactly happened between the two. 

Why Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly broke up?

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Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has taken its final curtain call. On June 8, a source told PEOPLE the couple had broken up, describing their split as amicable. The source further noted that it took lots of time and careful consideration for the Wicked co-stars to end their relationship of nearly three years.

“They are still friends and very supportive of one another,” they continued, adding, “They have been quietly broken up for several months.”

While the timeline of their breakup remains unclear, the question of why Grande and Slater broke up is one that might have a clearer answer. Before their breakup, a source told PEOPLE in November 2025 that they were making it work. This happened despite their careers keeping them busy. 

“They both have a lot going on, but their relationship is the real deal,” the source added. 

However, Grande posted a supportive message on her Instagram Stories dedicated to Slater in March 2026, writing that she was “so very proud” of him. She further mentioned his off-Broadway show Marcel on the Train. However, given the new context of their quiet breakup, it is unclear if this was simply a platonic show of support from the singer.

At the time, Slater was starring in Marcel on the Train. Meanwhile, Grande had just announced her Eternal Sunshine Tour for 2026 and was filming her forthcoming comedy Focker In-Law. It could be that, post-Wicked, the pair could no longer spend as much time with one another as they had within the musical film’s rose-tinted bubble.

Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Still Together? Latest Updates on Their Relationship

Before reports of their breakup emerged, Grande and Slater spent nearly three years balancing a high-profile romance with increasingly demanding careers. 

Inside Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's nearly three-year relationship

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater first met while working on the film adaptation of Wicked. Their relationship became public in 2023 and quickly attracted significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of both stars. Despite the scrutiny, the pair largely kept their romance out of the spotlight and rarely discussed it publicly.

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Over the next few years, Grande and Slater were occasionally seen together at public events and industry functions. Sources close to the couple often described them as supportive of each other's careers, particularly as they worked on projects related to the Wicked franchise. Their relationship unfolded alongside major professional milestones for both performers.

Meanwhile, after 3 years, Grande and Slater's relationship appears to have ended on friendly terms. Reports suggest that demanding schedules and long periods apart may have contributed to the breakup. Although their chapter as a couple may have come to a close, the reported mutual respect and continued support between them suggest that the relationship remains an important part of both of their personal and professional journeys. 

Ariana Grande Shares Sweet PDA Moments With Boyfriend Ethan Slater at 'Wicked' Premiere Post-Grammy Snubs

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Could Grande and Slater's reported breakup mark the end of a romance shaped by both intense public attention and demanding careers? Let us know in the comments. 

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Bias Sinha

140 articles

Bias Sinha is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie, where she dives into Hollywood and all things celebrity culture with a sharp, timely lens. Previously, she covered pop culture and wrote on NBA for The Times of India. With a double Master’s degree in English and Education, and over 7 years of experience across creative writing, editing, proofreading, and academic content, she blends structure with storytelling ease.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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