Claims of a peaceful separation Ethan Slater и Ariana Grande , seem to have some basis, as the actor doesn't look at all grief-stricken.
Slater recently made a public appearance at the theater, his first since his split. A source confirmed the end of his romance with Grande on June 8.
Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande appear to be doing well individually, with the singer focused on her first tour in seven years.
Ethan Slater lit up everyone with his beaming smile during his first public appearance since the split news.
Slater was back in the spotlight on Thursday, June 11, attending a Shakespeare in the Park production of Romeo and Juliet. The event took place at the Delacorte Theater in New York City's Central Park, and paparazzi captured the celebrities in attendance.
For the big day, Slater opted for a casual look, looking radiant in a white T-shirt, black pants, and white sneakers. He accessorized with a silver chain and smiled generously for the camera flashes as he posed for photos.
A video published by TMZ captured the moment: Slater posing with his hands in his pockets or in front of him. He appeared alone and seemed unfazed by the end of his romance with Grande.
The former couple quietly ended their relationship.
Slater's relaxed appearance in New York may be a consequence of his alleged breakup with Grande. The Blast broke the story, reporting that a source confirmed the end of Slater and Grande's romance after nearly three years together.
The exact date of their separation was not disclosed, with a source claiming that Slater and Grande "quietly separated a few months ago." Although they decided to end their relationship, the source emphasized that they did so amicably and on good terms.
«"They're still friends and very supportive of each other," the source continued. He added that the breakup hasn't affected Grande, stating that she's "doing great" and is focused on her Eternal Sunshine tour, which kicked off on June 6.
Details of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's relationship
The former couple reportedly met on the set of the musical Wicked Witch, where Grande played Glinda, the Good Witch, and Slater played Boca. Rumors of their romance surfaced in July 2023, and they kept fans in the dark until they officially confirmed their relationship on Instagram in November 2024.
That same year, Grande gushed about her love for Slater in an interview, describing him as a "wonderful person." She seemed to be completely smitten with Slater, calling him "charming" and admiring his performance in the musical.
«"I'm so happy people are recognizing him. My heart is so full of joy," Grande added. She wasn't alone in her feelings: Slater declared his then-girlfriend's performance in the musical "Wicked: For Good" "totally incredible.".
The former Nickelodeon star praised her ex amid breakup rumors.
Rumors of a breakup between Grande and Slater had already surfaced several months before the news broke. In December 2025, The Blast reported that Grande paid tribute to her late ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, during a performance at Chapman University.
She thanked him for helping her refine her musical style, recalling how Miller encouraged her to explore the R&B side of pop and learn how to combine the two. Grande spoke of the late singer with gratitude, noting that his support inspired her to collaborate with him.
The duo collaborated on Grande's 2013 hit "The Way," and also worked together on a remix of Grande's 2016 song "Into You" and Miller's 2016 track "My Favorite Part." Miller died on September 7, 2018, from an accidental overdose.
Ariana Grande's relationship history
To Along with Slater and Miller, Grande also gained attention for her relationships with other men in the entertainment industry. According to Page Six, her relationship began in 2008, when she fell in love with Riverdale actor Graham Phillips. However, their youthful romance ended in 2011.
Almost a year after their split, Grande found love again with MTV star Jai Brooks. They began dating in August 2012, and things seemed to be going well until Brooks accused Grande of cheating on him in 2013, which she denied.
That same year, Grande dated English singer Nathan Sykes, but they reportedly broke up four months later. Then, in 2014, she had a romance with rapper Big Sean, which ended nearly nine months after they shocked fans with their romance. Grande's other ex-boyfriends include Ricky Alvarez, Pete Davidson, and her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez.
Read also: Ethan Slater dodges question about Ariana Grande amid breakup rumors.