Ariana Grande Defends Boyfriend Ethan Slater from 'Bull----' Public Criticism: 'Couldn't Be Less Accurate'

"There is no one on this earth with a better heart," Grande added of Slater

Ariana Grande is opening up about rumors surrounding her boyfriend Ethan Slater.

Speaking in a new interview with Vanity Fair, published Monday, Sept. 30, Grande, 31, revealed that she was disappointed by the public perception of Slater, 32, who she stars alongside in the upcoming Wicked movie.

“The most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of it,” she told the outlet. “There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him.”

Grande, who plays Glinda alongside Slater’s Boq in the fantasy musical, added, “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 bull---- tabloid can rewrite in real life,” she said.

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Related: How Ariana Grande Helped Wicked Costar Bowen Yang Through a 'Worrisome' Low Point: 'Let's Get You Better'

Grande and Slater's romance was confirmed in July 2023 after meeting on the set of Wicked.

This came after Grande separated from her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, and Slater separated from his ex-wife, Lilly Jay.

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In early September, multiple sources gave PEOPLE insight into Grande and Slater’s relationship, revealing how they were navigating their romance in the public eye.

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“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple said at the time. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private.”

“People have tried to question the timeline,” an insider added. “The truth is, Ariana and Ethan didn’t begin seeing each other until after both parties were separated, respectfully.”

Grande and Slater were then pictured together visiting a Disney Park before the “One Last Time” singer was seen supporting her beau performing in Broadway's Spamalot back in October 2023.

The pair were then snapped grabbing dinner with Grande's dad, Ed Butera, in New York City.

"They love to support each other in their work," a source told PEOPLE at the time. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."

Meanwhile, Grande’s recent comments about Slater come after the finalization of his divorce from ex Lilly Jay, whom he shares one son, born in August 2022. Slater and Jay had been married since November 2018.

Wicked is set to be released in theaters on Nov. 22, 2024, with Wicked Part Two scheduled for Nov. 21, 2025.

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