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In a recent interview with GQ, Ethan Slater addressed speculation that Ariana Grande's song "Imperfect for You," from her latest album Eternal Sunshine, is about him. The track, part of Grande's March 2023 release, has led fans to believe it might reflect her relationship with Slater, whom she met on the set of Wicked. Their relationship became public in July 2023.
When asked about the fan theory, Slater responded thoughtfully but refrained from confirming any specific connection to the song. "She's such an amazing performer," he said, adding, "I think everyone knows how good she is as a recording artist, but I'm just really blown away by the songwriting." He continued to praise the song, saying, "I love that song."
Slater acknowledged the challenges that come with public attention, noting how difficult it is to have personal matters exposed. "There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening," he told GQ, "so it's really hard to see people who don't know anything about what's happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love." He also expressed gratitude for the positive aspects of the past year, saying, "It was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I'm just really excited."
Grande also defended Slater in a recent Vanity Fair interview, saying, "No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about. There is no one on this earth with a better heart, and that is something that no tabloid can rewrite in real life."
In the interview, Slater also expressed admiration for Grande's commitment to her role in Wicked, where she plays Glinda. "She's poured herself into it," he said, adding, "I'm really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I'm really excited for the world to see the amazing thing that she did." Wicked is set to hit theaters in Nov. 22.
