The global promotional tour for the cinematic phenomenon Wicked: For Good was dominated by powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Yet, amidst the glittering premieres and cast interviews, a conspicuous absence was noted: the lack of joint appearances by Grande and her co-star and reported partner, Ethan Slater.
Navigating the Spotlight: A Deliberate Distance
During the press tour for the second film, Slater, 33, attended only a select few premieres and Q&A sessions. This limited visibility had a practical explanation from the studio: his character, the munchkin Boq, features less prominently in the sequel's narrative. However, the physical distance between him and Grande, 32, on the promotional circuit inevitably fuelled rampant speculation. Fans questioned whether the romance that reportedly blossomed on set three years prior, following their splits from respective partners, had since fizzled out.
An insider has now moved to quash these rumours, painting a picture of a stable, low-key relationship. "Ariana put Ethan on the back burner while she was promoting the movie," a source told the Daily Mail. "But they're in a solid place now. They're like an old married couple at home." The source described a couple who prefers quiet nights in, playing board games or binge-watching television, over glamorous public outings.
Professionalism Over Personal Narrative
This desire for privacy was reflected in Slater's own media appearances. While a guest on the Today show, he deftly sidestepped a direct question about "working with your girlfriend." Instead, he praised the entire cast, calling Grande "brilliant" but equally highlighting Cynthia Erivo as "remarkable." According to the insider, this was a conscious, professional decision. "He's a pro and understands the business," they shared, noting that Slater did not want his relationship with the Eternal Sunshine singer to become the central narrative of the film's promotion.
In contrast, the bond between the two lead actresses was a focal point. Grande and Erivo's fast friendship, forged during filming, resulted in emotional interviews and frequent viral moments. Their solidarity was starkly demonstrated on the yellow carpet in Singapore when Erivo rushed to protect Grande from an unexpected intruder, who was later deported.
Addressing the Controversy Head-On
Grande, who has navigated several high-profile relationships, has been sparing in public comments about Slater. However, in a candid interview with Vanity Fair, she offered a glowing tribute. "No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about," she stated. "There is no one on this earth with a better heart."
She also directly addressed the controversy surrounding the timeline of their relationship, which fans alleged began before her separation from husband Dalton Gomez in 2021 and before Slater's split from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young child. "The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it," Grande said, refuting the claims. The insider's latest assurances suggest that, away from the glare of the Wicked spotlight, their relationship continues on its own steady, private course.
