Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pop sensation Ariana Grande, 31, is under scrutiny following accusations of being a "home-wrecker" tied to her relationship with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, 32. The allegations surfaced after Slater's ex-wife, Lilly Jay, penned a revealing essay addressing their separation and its fallout.
Grande and Slater reportedly grew close while filming Wicked in 2024, during which Grande's marriage to real estate agent Dalton Gomez was unraveling. Slater, meanwhile, was married to Jay, his high school sweetheart, with whom he shares a son born in 2022. Both couples have since divorced, but Jay, a psychologist, has publicly criticized Grande, claiming she played a role in the dissolution of her marriage.
In her essay published in The Cut, Jay wrote, "No one gets married thinking they'll get divorced. Especially not just after giving birth to my first child and especially not in the shadow of my husband's new relationship with a celebrity." Jay further described Grande as "not a girl's girl," placing the blame for her failed marriage squarely on the singer.
According to insiders, Grande is deeply upset by Jay's statements and their impact on her public image. "Ariana absolutely hates that Lilly is still out there talking and basically calling her a home-wrecker," a source told RadarOnline. "She's pressuring Ethan to get her to stop, even pay her off if that's what it takes. She believes every time his ex puts herself out there, it's more damning to Ariana's image."
Jay's public comments have reportedly strained Grande and Slater's relationship. "Lilly knows it's over with her and Ethan, but she also knows every time she comes out and comments on his betrayal, she makes his relationship with Ariana that much more difficult," another insider revealed.
Despite the challenges, Grande is reportedly eager to move forward with Slater. Sources claim she hopes to marry him but fears the lingering controversy could overshadow their future. "Ariana wants to marry Ethan but fears that their past is going to follow them around forever if Lilly keeps bringing it up," the insider added.
