Ariana Grande has been making headlines for days thanks to the release of her highly anticipated film, Villain: For good. Whether it was her dramatic red carpet appearance, reports of her drastic weight loss, or playful moments on set with co-star Cynthia Erivo, it all became a topic of discussion on the internet. Another aspect that added to the ongoing buzz was her public romance with fellow actor Ethan Slater. However, a recent short exchange between them on Today and their solo appearance sparked rumors of their breakup. Here’s why.
What led to Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande breakup rumors?
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s breakup buzz ignited after the former made an appearance on the Today show on November 21, 2025, when the show’s host Craig Melvin asked him what it was like for him to work with his girlfriend on a daily basis. Instead of giving a direct answer to the question, Ethan started praising the entire cast of Wicked and called his co-stars “incredible performers.” The moment has since gone viral, and outlets such as Cosmopolitan and Yahoo have further highlighted the clumsy dodge.
Social media users took note of Ethan’s hesitation and lack of personal comments, fueling speculation about his breakup with Ariana Grande. However, he neither confirmed nor denied anything on air. Meanwhile, Ariana’s public behavior further amplified the noise. The singer has drawn attention for avoiding promotional routines and interviews that put her relationship in the spotlight. These antics, combined with a visible distance between Ethan and Ariana at their film’s premiere and press event, led to further speculation. Some media outlets pointed out that the singer notably kept her personal life private and avoided sharing couple photos at promotional events, leaving fans confused.
Did Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande intentionally keep their distance? Villain: for good press tour?
Despite breakup rumors, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater chose to stay silent on the speculation and kept their relationship low-key during the Villain: for good press tour. TMZ previously published an exclusive in mid-November indicating that sources close to the couple revealed that they were “absolutely still together.” Other sources suggested their decision to arrive separately and give solo interviews was a protective strategy rather than an allusion to their separation.
She reported that the couple’s decision to avoid posing for couple photos and to limit their PDA during the Villain: for good the first was a deliberate decision. This was done to ensure the focus remained on the film, Villain: for good, rather than on privacy. Additionally, they rarely posed for joint photos while maintaining calm interaction. The approach further ensured that fans kept guessing about their relationship while maintaining the couple’s boundaries.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s love story
For those who don’t know, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship began when the duo met on the set of Wicked in December 2022. They went public with their relationship in July 2023, after ending their previous romances. Their relationship attracted considerable public interest and a prolonged period of secrecy. Therefore, their behavior during the press tour might just be the final chapter in their relationship, given that they have been under constant public scrutiny. Still, fans are curious about their connection and are busy analyzing their every move in interviews, on the red carpet and on social media.
What do you think about the Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande breakup rumors?
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