Ariana Grande Breaks Silence on Ethan Slater Romance Backlash: 'It Was Disappointing'
Ariana Grande is no stranger to the spotlight, but her recent relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater has attracted more attention than she expected— and not all of it has been positive. In a recent interview, the pop star opened up about the public backlash surrounding her new romance, calling it “disappointing” and addressing the media frenzy that’s followed their relationship.
A New Chapter Amid Criticism
Grande, who recently separated from her husband Dalton Gomez, found herself facing heavy criticism after news broke that she and Slater, who was also in the process of a divorce, had become romantically involved. Fans and tabloids alike have speculated about the timeline of their relationship, with some expressing disappointment in Grande.
“It’s always hard to navigate relationships in the public eye, but the level of backlash we received was surprising,” Ariana said. “People jump to conclusions, and there’s always more to the story than anyone sees.”

Prioritizing Mental Health
The Thank U, Next singer has been vocal about prioritizing her mental health, especially in the wake of such intense scrutiny. Grande shared how hurtful the media’s portrayal of her relationship has been, particularly when the narrative seemed to paint her as a villain. “It’s disappointing when people choose to believe rumors over understanding that life is complicated,” she explained.
Grande further emphasized the importance of focusing on personal growth and self-love during difficult times. “I’ve learned that you have to prioritize yourself and those you care about. At the end of the day, what matters most is your happiness and well-being, not what strangers think.”

Moving Forward with Grace
Despite the backlash, Grande is staying strong and positive, determined to move forward with grace. “I’ve been through enough ups and downs in my life to know that you can’t please everyone,” she added. “All I can do is continue being true to myself and those I love.”
With her role as Glinda in Wicked on the horizon and new music in the works, Ariana Grande is ready to leave the negativity behind. She continues to focus on her career, her happiness, and building a future that feels right for her, regardless of public opinion. “You can’t control what people say, but you can control how you respond—and I’m choosing to rise above it,” she concluded.