Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande are reported to have ended their relationship, bringing renewed attention to a scathing letter written by Slater's ex-wife when their romance first came to light.
End of a Hollywood Romance
The Wicked co-stars met on the set of the hit musical film adaptation and have been together for nearly three years. However, sources confirm they have now decided to go their separate ways. A source stated, "It's amicable; they gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways. They are still friends and very supportive of one another. They have been quietly broken up for several months."
While the split appears amicable, fans recall the controversy surrounding the beginning of their relationship, as both were recently divorced from their former spouses.
The Resurfaced Letter
Dr. Lilly Jay, Slater's ex-wife, penned an open letter at the time their relationship was revealed. In it, she expressed her shock and pain. "No one gets married thinking they'll get divorced, in the same way we don't board a plane expecting to crash. But I really never thought I would get divorced," she wrote. "Especially not just after giving birth to my first child and especially not in the shadow of my husband's new relationship with a celebrity."
She continued: "In the countless hours I spend rocking my son to sleep, pushing his stroller, marvelling at his sweaty little hands grasping a crayon, I work diligently on my private project of accepting the sudden public downfall of my marriage. Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I planned with my high-school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child."
Jay added, "As for me, days with my son are sunny. Days when I can't escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker."
Impact on the Film
The timing of their relationship reportedly overshadowed coverage of Wicked, causing concern among Universal Pictures executives. An insider revealed, "When news of the relationship first broke, studio execs were extremely worried about how it would impact the film." It was later claimed that after "feeling the heat," Ariana and Ethan were told to "disappear for six months" to allow the controversy to quieten down ahead of the premiere.
Despite the initial turmoil, both stars have moved on amicably, with their professional relationship remaining intact.
