Kristina Roberts
Love stories don’t always end the way we imagine, and that seems to be the case for Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater. According to new reports, their once bright and exciting romance has hit a rough patch. The pair, who were once inseparable, have now allegedly decided to cancel their wedding plans. Insiders close to them say their relationship, which began as a whirlwind of affection, has slowly turned “toxic.”
Ariana Grande, the pop icon known for hits like Dangerous Woman and Thank U, Next, and Ethan Slater, who gained fame for his role as SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway, first made headlines in July 2023. Their relationship quickly became the talk of Hollywood, surprising fans and even sparking controversy because both had just come out of other relationships. Despite that, the couple appeared deeply in love — holding hands at public events, smiling for cameras on red carpets, and often being seen together at award shows.
During the early days of their relationship, Ariana and Ethan looked like a perfect match. They often supported each other’s work and even attended important events side by side. Ariana was seen bringing Ethan to glamorous award functions, proudly showing him off. Their affection for each other was visible not just in public appearances but also through social media. Ariana occasionally shared sweet glimpses of their moments together, giving fans the impression that their love was strong and growing.
But over time, things began to change. Their appearances together became less frequent, and eagle-eyed fans noticed that Ethan had not been seen on Ariana’s Instagram feed for months. The last time they were spotted together publicly was in April, when Ethan attended a Little Shop of Horrors preview with Ariana to support her Victorious co-star Liz Gillies. That was also his last appearance on her social media. Since then, silence has taken over — both online and offline.
A source close to the couple revealed, “At one time, they discussed marriage, but that is no longer on the table. They fell head over heels in love when they first hooked up. But those days are over.” The statement reflected what many fans had already started suspecting — that their relationship was no longer as strong as it used to be.
According to insiders quoted by Daily Mail, the two stars have been struggling to separate their personal conflicts from their professional lives. Both are busy individuals with demanding schedules — Ariana working on her music and film career, and Ethan focusing on acting projects. The constant distance and pressure reportedly caused misunderstandings and emotional strain.
Fans began speculating more when Ethan skipped the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) last month. Ariana attended the event alone and took home three awards, including Best Pop. Interestingly, Ethan did post a short video clip of her acceptance speech, but he didn’t include any caption or message congratulating her. That small detail caught the attention of many fans, who wondered if everything was okay between them.
Another insider revealed, “Ariana and Ethan have been on and off for most of this year. He chose not to attend the MTV VMAs with her because they’d had an argument just days before.” The same source also added, “But they made up soon after. They’ve both been running hot and cold with each other.”
These statements hint that their relationship has been unstable for a while — with frequent ups and downs. Even though they may have tried to reconcile several times, it seems that the tension kept returning, making it difficult to maintain a steady bond.
When Ariana and Ethan first got together, fans were both excited and curious. Their romance began shortly after Ariana’s split from her former husband, Dalton Gomez, and Ethan’s separation from his wife, Lilly Jay. This sudden start to their relationship led to a lot of online gossip and criticism. Still, Ariana and Ethan seemed determined to focus on their happiness, ignoring the public noise. But now, it seems the same attention that once brought them into the spotlight might have also added pressure to their relationship.
Being celebrities, both Ariana and Ethan live under constant public scrutiny. Every post, every photo, and every absence is analyzed by fans and media. That kind of spotlight can be tough for any couple. It’s not easy to handle rumors and speculations, especially when both partners are juggling demanding careers. Reports suggest that they found it challenging to keep their personal problems private, and those problems started affecting their work life too.
The phrase “toxic” used by sources to describe their relationship suggests that things may have become emotionally draining for both of them. It’s possible that constant disagreements, misunderstandings, and external pressures took a toll on their mental health and peace. While no one knows exactly what caused the final break, it seems they both decided to step back rather than continue something that was no longer making them happy.
Fans of Ariana Grande, known as “Arianators,” have expressed mixed emotions online. Some are sad that the relationship didn’t work out, while others are relieved that Ariana might be choosing peace over pressure. Many are also sending messages of support, hoping both artists take time to heal and focus on their personal growth.
For now, neither Ariana nor Ethan has made any official statement about the breakup or the cancelled wedding plans. Both have remained silent on social media, perhaps preferring to keep this part of their lives private. It’s not unusual for celebrities to retreat from public view when dealing with emotional matters, and this might just be their way of protecting themselves from further gossip.
Ariana Grande has always been open about her journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, often turning those experiences into heartfelt music. Fans are already wondering if her next songs will reflect what she’s been going through lately. As for Ethan, he continues his work in acting and theater, reportedly keeping a low profile in recent months.
It’s never easy when love fades, especially under the public eye. The world may have seen them as a glamorous couple, but behind the smiles and the spotlight, they were two people trying to make things work. Sometimes, even love isn’t enough when life becomes complicated. Perhaps, in time, they’ll both find happiness again — maybe not together, but on their own paths.
