After nearly three years together, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have reportedly ended their relationship, Pop Tellers.
The breakup might catch some fans off guard, considering Ariana seemingly shut down split rumors last year with a rare photo of her and Ethan together.
But according to TMZ, the pair actually did split several months ago and have been keeping things private while navigating the breakup behind the scenes.
Sources close to the former couple told the outlet that the breakup was completely amicable. “They gave the breakup careful consideration but ultimately decided to end the romantic relationship.”
The insiders added that Ariana and Ethan remain friends and continue to support one another.
Side note: TMZ also reported that Ariana’s upcoming album petal is not inspired by the split and is not about her relationship with Ethan. (Yeah, she already done that to Dalton Gomez).
A separate source echoed a similar sentiment to PEOPLE, saying the breakup happened “quietly” a few months ago. “It’s amicable, they gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways,” the source said. “They are still friends and very supportive of one another.”
While neither Ariana nor Ethan has publicly commented on the breakup, the reports suggest there was no major fallout—just two people deciding their relationship had run its course.
So what could have led to the split?
It’s important to note that neither Ariana nor Ethan has shared a reason for their breakup, and everything below is purely my speculation based on what we have observed.
So Why Did Ariana and Ethan Break Up?
Theory #1: Ariana Might Simply Be Too Busy Right Now
If there’s one thing Ariana has been focused on lately, it’s work. Between promoting new music, preparing for her long-awaited return to touring, and balancing a busy acting career, she’s had an incredibly packed schedule.
According to PEOPLE, Ariana is currently “incredibly focused on preparing for her tour.”
“She’s seemed very happy. It’s all been very positive vibes,” a source told the publication. “Being able to reconnect with fans after so many years made her very excited.”
The insider also revealed that Ariana spent much of the spring concentrating on getting the show ready.
“She’s been wanting to give her fans an amazing show and has put so much work into the show,” the source added. “Kicking off her tour was very emotional for her.”
With so much happening professionally, it’s possible Ariana simply didn’t have the time or energy needed to maintain a serious relationship.
Theory #2: The ‘Wicked’ Honeymoon Phase May Have Ended
Sometimes relationships don’t end because of drama…they just naturally run their course.
Ariana and Ethan famously met while filming Wicked, where they played Glinda and Boq. Spending months together on set, traveling, rehearsing, and working on one of the biggest movie musicals in years likely created a unique bond.
But once filming wrapped and real life settled in, things may have felt different.
Many relationships begin during intense experiences that bring people closer together. Once that excitement fades, some couples realize they’re better suited as friends.
Again, there’s no evidence this is what happened—but it’s certainly one possibility.
Theory #3: The Relationship Was Surrounded by Constant Drama
Even years later, Ariana and Ethan’s relationship continued to face intense public scrutiny. The controversy largely stemmed from the timing of their romance.
Before dating Ariana, Ethan was married to Lilly Jay. The two were high school sweethearts who married in 2018 and welcomed their first child together in August 2022.
According to reports, Jay moved to England with their infant son while Ethan filmed Wicked. She later said she felt blindsided when Ethan told her he wanted a divorce while she was navigating postpartum depression.
Shortly afterward, Ethan began dating Ariana, who had also recently split from her fiancé Dalton at the time.
Although Ariana and Ethan continued their relationship despite the criticism, they faced years of online backlash, viral discourse, and constant commentary about how their romance began.
Perhaps that level of scrutiny put pressure on their relationship, no matter how strong it was.
#Theory 4: The “Rosé Curse” Struck
After news of Ariana and Ethan’s breakup surfaced, some fans revived a viral internet theory known as the “Rosé Curse.” The theory jokingly claims that celebrity couples who pose for photos with Rosé are somehow doomed to break up afterward. Yeah, it’s wild.
The speculation resurfaced after Ariana posed for a photo with Rosé at the 2025 VMAs, leading some fans to jokingly wonder whether the “curse” had struck again.
Of course, the theory is purely a fan-created meme with no real evidence behind it—but that hasn’t stopped social media from bringing it up every time another celebrity relationship ends.
At the end of the day, only Ariana and Ethan know what really led to their breakup. Maybe we’ll learn more someday, but for now, I’ll be busy rewatching Eternal Sunshine Tour clips on repeat and patiently waiting for Petal to arrive.
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