Reports recently confirmed that Grammy winning pop singer, Broadway and Nickelodeon alum Ariana Grande separated from her husband of two years, luxury real estate broker Dalton Gomez. Entertainment Tonight confirmed that the pair were simply “not a good fit”, and that Gomez had not anticipated the busy schedule and heavy media scrutiny placed on Grande. The pair married amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and reportedly got to know each other during the lockdown period. Once the entertainment industry reopened, their lack of compatibly became more apparent.
Bro got mad at Ariana grande for needing security cause she famous. Buddy knew what he was signing up for.
— Sancheezzzy (@Scoby20) July 19, 2023
Amid confirmation of the split, rumors now swirl that Grande is dating her “Wicked” costar Ethan Slater. The split and sudden dating rumors have fans and social media in a tailspin. While Slater may not be as much of a household name as Ariana Grande, the actor continues to receive critical acclaim for several Broadway performances. Slater married to ex-wife Lilly Jay in 2018, and the pair share one child together. Jay reportedly had been in a relationship with Slater since high school. The pair allegedly separated months prior to the rumors of Slater’s relationship with Grande.
ariana grande “liking” ethan slater’s instagram post about his wife and their brand new baby back in may…. to ariana and ethan’s dating announcement today…. something doesn’t smell right pic.twitter.com/eMCiyNSfFq
— m’ichaela -`ღ´- (@michaelawaffles) July 20, 2023
Slater And SpongeBob
Ethan Slater notably played the titular SpongeBob Squarepants in Broadway’s “SpongeBob The Musical”. The role earned the actor a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award. Fans of Grande and Broadway connoisseurs alike are reminding social media of this interesting tidbit of history.
mind you ethan slater was spongebob in spongebob the musical ???? pic.twitter.com/unuGxbYdI7
— cameron (@cambeserious) July 20, 2023
Slater grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and attended Vassar College. He was raised Jewish. Outside of “SpongeBob”, Slater made a brief appearance as Steven in Amy Sherman-Palladino’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The actor has maintained a fairly private life until the recent rumors of his alleged relationship with Ariana Grande.
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Amid the rumors, the actor set his Instagram account to private. Some fans feel that this move confirms the relationship, while others suspect that Slater could have cheated on his wife with Grande.
Ethan Slater has made his Instagram account private following reports that he is dating Ariana Grande. pic.twitter.com/p9tO50u0Z9
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 20, 2023
so it’s true, they are dating
— Ariana Grande Charts (@grandeschart) July 20, 2023
Social Media Reactions
Some feel that regardless of whether Slater and Grande had separated from their respective partners before allegedly beginning their relationship, both parties jumped into a new relationship too soon. Others criticized Grande’s personal life. As is the case with several famous women, Grande continues to face criticism for being a “serial dater.”
Wow she moves on rather quick
— Cleopatra (@Cleoyourlatina) July 20, 2023
She must have issues being alone cause this is like boyfriend number 35 at this point
— ???? (@thefutxre) July 20, 2023
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Others were more supportive, acknowledging how both actors have a background in theater that could have brought them together.
You’re telling me SpongeBob and Cat Valentine are dating?!?! pic.twitter.com/sZMOvpb7xi
— Hi Im Ry (@WhateverDoja) July 20, 2023
Other Twitter users were less than positive, continuing to insult Slater’s appearance and professional background. Prior to Grande’s marriage to Gomez, she notably dated comedian Pete Davidson, musician Big Sean, and the late rapper Mac Miller.
https://twitter.com/nordlys/status/1682051135882788866?s=20
https://twitter.com/lovesicksmile/status/1682057250175631361?s=20
Neither Grande nor Slater have confirmed their rumored relationship at this time. “Wicked” is reportedly 10 days short of wrapping production in the U.K. amid the SAG-AFTRA and WGA Strike.
