Popular singer Ariana Grande and her boyfriend, Broadway actor Ethan Slater, have effectively silenced months of swirling breakup rumours. The couple demonstrated they are still very much together when Slater showed quiet support for Grande during her recent hosting gig on the iconic comedy show, Saturday Night Live.
Backstage Presence Confirms Relationship Status
While the pair did not make a public appearance together on the red carpet, Slater's presence was confirmed behind the scenes. Photos shared by Ariana's longtime friend and former co-star, actress Elizabeth Gillies, provided the evidence. The images, posted over the weekend, showed Ethan Slater looking relaxed on a couch in Ariana's backstage green room.
He was pictured alongside Gillies and fellow performer Aaron Simon Gross. This visual confirmation, reported by outlets like the Daily Mail, made it clear that Slater was there to support his girlfriend during her major television moment.
A Pattern of Silencing Speculation
This backstage appearance is not the first time the couple has addressed split rumours. Just days before the SNL event, Ariana herself took to social media to shut down the gossip. She shared a video clip of Slater discussing his character's journey in the upcoming film Wicked: For Good.
Furthermore, they had previously eased speculation back in November by attending the high-profile New York City premiere of the Wicked musical film together. Their united front at public events directly contradicts reports earlier this year that claimed their relationship was "on and off" and had even led fans to believe they had split after a period of not being seen together.
Friends Celebrate Ariana's Success
Elizabeth Gillies, who starred with Ariana on the hit Nickelodeon show Victorious, used her social media post to heap praise on her friend's SNL performance. "Nobody does it like you," Gillies wrote, calling the entire episode "brilliant." She also celebrated the night's highlights, which included Bowen Yang's exit and several surprise appearances.
The romance between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater first became public knowledge in 2023. It emerged shortly after Ariana's separation from her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez. At the same time, it was revealed that Slater was still legally married to Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son. Their relationship has since navigated intense public scrutiny, which this latest SNL support seems decisively aimed at quieting.
