Ethan Slater Finalizes Divorce as New Relationship with Ariana Grande Gains Attention

Ethan Slater (left) Lilly Jay (right) & In the circle is Ariana Grande (Left) Ethan Slater (right)Photo byGetty Composite/TMZ

Ethan Slater, Broadway star and former "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical" actor, has officially finalized his divorce from Lilly Jay. According to new court documents obtained by TMZ, a judge signed off on the settlement, bringing an end to their marriage. While the specific terms of the divorce remain sealed, as is customary in New York state, the closure marks a significant chapter in both their lives.

Ethan and Lilly’s relationship began in 2012 when they were still high school sweethearts in Maryland. In 2014, the pair moved to New York City, where Ethan pursued his theater career. Their romance led to a marriage in 2018, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2022.

However, by July 2023, Ethan filed for divorce. The decision came amid reports of his relationship with "Wicked" co-star Ariana Grande, who had also recently separated from her husband, Dalton Gomez.

Since then, Ethan and Ariana have taken their relationship public, stepping out together for the first time in October and enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. Ariana has shown her support for Ethan, attending the opening night of his Broadway revival of "Spamalot" on Halloween. The pair has also been seen attending high-profile events, including the Stanley Cup Finals in June, where they cheered on the Florida Panthers.

With the release of Ariana’s upcoming seventh studio album, "Eternal Sunshine," and the much-anticipated "Wicked" movie premiering Thanksgiving weekend, Ethan and Ariana’s relationship is sure to remain in the spotlight.