Ethan Slater Reportedly 'Trying Very Hard To Prove Himself' To Ariana Grande After Split Rumors

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have reportedly reconciled after a brief split, with insiders saying the actor worked hard to save their relationship.

While publicly projecting calm and closeness, sources describe the reunion as fragile and allegedly questioned by the pop star's friends.

Meanwhile, Ariana Grande faced renewed online backlash after old photos of Ethan Slater's ex-wife spending Christmas with their son resurfaced, reigniting criticism.

Ethan Slater Is 'Working Overtime' To Save His Romance With Ariana Grande, Sources Claim

After weeks of quiet speculation and a noticeable absence from each other's public orbit, Grande and Slater resurfaced together during the holidays, shutting down breakup rumors.

However, according to insiders who spoke to Rob Shuter's #Shuterscoop, Slater's recent warm, festive social media moments weren't accidental, as they were meant to signal a reconciliation following a short but genuine split between the couple.

Still, the reunion hasn't gone unnoticed or unquestioned. "Ethan is working overtime to save this relationship," one source said. "He's attentive, available, and trying very hard to prove himself."

What has caused murmurs among those watching closely is the contrast in behavior. Friends reportedly point out that this level of urgency wasn't evident when Slater's marriage to Lilly Jay, who was pregnant at the time, was unraveling as his relationship with Grande took shape.

"That's what people can't get past," an insider explained. "He fought for Ariana, but didn't fight at all for his family."

Ethan Slater Reportedly Struggled With The Thought Of Losing The Singer

Those close to the couple say the brief separation hit Slater harder than the "Wicked" actress.

While she reportedly leaned into work and her inner circle, Slater became increasingly anxious about losing the relationship altogether.

"He knows how this looks," a source noted. "And he's terrified of being disposable."

However, skepticism remains strong among Grande's friends, many of whom question the longevity of the reconciliation.

"This pattern is familiar," one insider says. "High intensity, emotional retreat, reconciliation — and then burnout. It's happened before."

'No One's Better On Forever' For Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater, Source Says

Outwardly, the couple is presenting a serene, settled image, holiday warmth, subtle togetherness, and quiet comfort.

But behind closed doors, sources claim Slater and Grande's relationship is delicate, sustained by conscious effort rather than natural flow.

"They're together," one concludes. "But no one's betting on forever."

At the same time, the "Wicked" co-stars had noticeably minimized their romance while promoting the upcoming sequel, which only fueled talk that their nearly two-year relationship had quietly ended.

That speculation faded when Slater posted a series of cozy snapshots of Grande to his Instagram Stories. Smiling softly at the camera, the singer later reposted the image herself.

The Couple Is Trying To Make It Work Despite Their Busy Schedules

Last month, a source clarified to People Magazine that the couple is very much still together and committed to making their relationship work, even as their careers pull them in different directions.

Grande is preparing for her 2026 "Eternal Sunshine" tour and recently finished filming "Focker In-Law" alongside Ben Stiller, while Slater is set to take the stage in the upcoming Off-Broadway production "Marcel on the Train."

"They both have a lot going on, but their relationship is the real deal," the insider shared. "They're incredibly supportive of each other's careers and so excited for everyone to see their new film."

ethan slater via Instagram stories pic.twitter.com/GDFsVg770i

— Ariana Grande Today (@ArianaToday) December 26, 2025

Any lingering speculation was further put to rest when Slater appeared in Elizabeth Gillies' Instagram photo roundup celebrating Grande's latest "Saturday Night Live" hosting appearance.

Grande herself has been openly affectionate when speaking about Slater. In a November 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, she praised him warmly, calling him "always adorable" and highlighting both his performance in the film and his character off-screen.

"He's such an amazing person. I'm so happy people are getting to know him. My heart is very happy," she stated.

Resurfaced Photos Of Ethan Slater's Ex-Wife Spark Renewed Backlash Against Ariana Grande

Meanwhile, Grande is facing another wave of online backlash after photos of Slater's former wife, Dr. Jay, spending Christmas with their young son resurfaced and began circulating again on social media.

The images prompted renewed criticism from some fans, who questioned Slater's absence during the holidays and, in turn, directed blame toward the singer.

According to the IBTimes, the photos, originally taken in 2024, show Jay out with her son Ezra in wintry conditions, pushing a stroller and carrying a coffee.

Though not recent, their reappearance reignited debate online, with reactions ranging from sympathy for Jay to harsh accusations that Grande allegedly played a role in disrupting Slater's family life.

Even after clarification about when the photos were taken, criticism continued to build. For many commenters, the emotional impact of the images outweighed the timeline, fueling renewed outrage.

Across platforms, opinions remain sharply divided, some expressing sadness over the situation, others condemning Grande, and many questioning whether private family matters are being unfairly judged in public.