THE RUNDOWN
- Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are still together, despite Grande attending the VMAs on her own.
- A source detailed why the couple of two years is embracing privacy.
- Slater posted a rare Instagram Story tribute to Grande earlier this week.
Ariana Grande attended the MTV VMAs on her own and made no reference to her boyfriend, Ethan Slater, in any of her acceptance speeches. His absence didn’t go unnoticed by fans, who wondered whether the couple might have broken up.
After the show, Slater posted an Instagram Story in support of Grande, debunking those rumors. A source also confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that Grande and Slater remain an item.
“Ariana and Ethan are still together and very happy with each other,” the insider said. “They just enjoy keeping their private life private.” They will always cheer each other on, the source added: “Ethan and Ariana support each other no matter what.”
The outlet offered some detail about Grande’s decision not to spotlight her relationship, writing that Grande “wanted the VMAs to be more of something for her and her family, as well as a fashion moment. She didn’t want her personal life to be the main focus.”
Grande and Slater were last seen together in the spring and have been dating for two years. In December 2024, a source told Entertainment Tonight that Slater and Grande want a serious, long-term future together.
“They’re continuing to appreciate and enjoy this moment, both professionally and personally,” the source began. “They think each other is ‘The One’ but aren’t rushing towards an engagement, though that is something that they both see happening.”
They have their loved ones’ approval, too: “[Their] families are so supportive and love seeing both of them be so happy,” the insider said. “Everyone is elated for the two of them.”
