Ethan Slater dances around the Ariana Grande question

The Broadway performer and singing sensation have kept fans in suspense over the status of their once-high-profile romance. There have been many breakup rumors, but no news from the couple.

Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande began becoming a romantic item in 2023 after their respective marriages ended. They proudly displayed their bond for all to see; however, they have been silent for months now.

Slater had the perfect moment to dispel speculation about his relationship with Grande when he appeared on the “Today” show. He stopped by to promote his new film “Wicked: For Good,” where he met Grande on the set of the first installment.

When asked to share his experience working with his girlfriend on the film, Slater danced around the question to offer a more professional answer. Instead of focusing on Grande, he said it was fantastic to work with everyone in the cast.

Although Slater gave an acceptable answer, TMZ reported that his response reignited breakup rumors. Many speculated that the actor dodged the question because he and Grande were keeping their split a secret to avoid impacting promotions for their new film.

When Slater and Grande stopped their PDA, sources emerged to claim they had split. The Blast covered these allegations in October, reporting that an insider claimed the duo’s whirlwind romance ended due to their differences.

“Ariana and Ethan have been on and off for most of this year,” the source said. They explained that Slater wasn’t there to support Grande’s big win at the 2025 MTV VMAs “because they had an argument a few days before.”

The source described their union as “hot and cold,” noting that they reconciled after the event only to find themselves apart again. “At one point they talked about marriage, but it’s no longer on the table,” the source continued, saying their dating days are over.

According to our source, the once romantic bond between Slater and Grande no longer existed because their union had become “toxic.” They explained that they were only making an appearance until “Wicked: For Good” hit theaters, stating that it was very doubtful that they would reconcile after the film.

“The relationship is unhealthy for both,” our source claimed. Grande and Slater became an item in 2023 after they first met on the set of the first installment of “Wicked.” Despite the timing of their romance sparking “homewrecker” speculation, they happily flaunted their connection.

From attending award shows as an item to Grande showing off photos of Slater on Instagram, it seemed like the duo would stand the test of time. They were last seen together in April when they attended a premiere of “Little Shop of Horrors” to support Grande’s Nickelodeon co-star Liz Gillies.

Slater wasn’t the only co-star that Grande developed a close relationship with on the set of “Wicked,” as she often made waves for her friendship with Cynthia Erivo. While promoting the first and second installments of the franchise, the duo turned heads for always being in touch.

From holding hands to sharing hugs, Grande and Erivo couldn’t stay away from each other. As for why they enjoyed the physical contact, the singer explained her side of the story during a recent appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast.

When the host asked her about her close bond with Erivo, Grande revealed that she is the type to express support through physical contact. “I channel a lot of energy through my hands,” she explained, noting that she had to hold someone’s hand and would unconsciously reach out to the closest person.