Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande have captured the attention of Hollywood not just for their performances in the highly anticipated “Wicked” adaptation, but also for the complexities of their off-screen relationship. This past Sunday at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, the couple displayed a blend of affection and protectiveness that did not go unnoticed. Their interaction during the event has become fodder for tabloids, with lip readers and social media fans eagerly analyzing every moment.
Equipped with a keen understanding of both the pressures of fame and the intimacy of personal relationships, Slater appeared to be a steadfast presence by Grande’s side. Observers noted a moment where Slater was seen reassuring Grande as they navigated through the throng of Hollywood elites, emphasizing his desire to keep her safe in a bustling environment. The public’s interest in their relationship hasn’t been benign, as they remain under scrutiny due to the controversial nature of their relationship’s beginnings.
The backdrop of Slater and Grande’s relationship is filled with complexities. Both actors were in committed marriages when they sparked dating rumors in 2023, leading to significant public backlash. Slater was still married to Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a two-year-old son, while Grande had a two-year marriage to Dalton Gomez. Despite vehement denials of any overlap or infidelity, the shadow of such accusations looms large.
Ariana Grande openly addressed the rumors and the public speculation surrounding their relationship during a Vanity Fair interview in November 2024, expressing disappointment at how quickly people leaped to unfounded conclusions. Such statements underline the couple’s struggle to find a sense of normalcy amidst chaotic headlines and swirling gossip. This reality raises questions about the inherent difficulties in maintaining a relationship under the media’s constantly scrutinizing gaze.
Despite the controversy surrounding their romance, the couple has shared glimpses of a tender bond that resonates strongly in public settings. At the SAG Awards, not only did they walk amidst the glitz and glamour, but they also managed to create intimate moments that spoke volumes. Slater’s gestures, such as holding Grande’s hand tightly and complimenting her stunning pale pink gown, illustrated a deep bond and respect for one another. While they maintained a degree of decorum by keeping public displays of affection to a minimum, their subtle interactions conveyed a love that transcends the typical expenses of fame.
Their decision to walk the red carpet separately, while perhaps strategic in navigating their critics, also highlights the fine balance needed to manage both public expectations and private joy. In a society where celebrity relationships often invite either envy or disdain, Slater and Grande seem determined to chart their own path, despite the noise around them.
As Slater and Grande continue their whirlwind promotional tour for “Wicked,” they are gradually crafting a narrative that distinguishes their relationship from the controversies of its inception. This promotional journey not only celebrates their artistic accomplishments but also allows them to curate their love story, one that aims to evolve past initial public speculation. Recent moments shared on social media, such as Slater’s sweet tribute to Grande for her first Oscar nomination, showcase their genuine affection and support for each other’s careers.
While the couple did not leave the SAG Awards with an award that evening, their mutual encouragement and partnership could undoubtedly be seen as a significant win. Such moments reveal a narrative of resilience against negativity, revealing the profound connection that drives them to continue sharing life’s stages together.
In a world quick to judge, the story of Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande serves as a reminder that love can flourish even under the harshest scrutiny, finding ways to stand strong amidst the chaos. It remains to be seen how their relationship will navigate future challenges, but for now, they appear to be more than ready to face whatever comes next—together.