Ethan Slater sends love to ex Ariana Grande after breakup news

Ethan Slater is eternally supportive of Ariana Grande — despite news of their breakup.

The actor “liked” the pop star’s Monday Instagram post (according to an eagle-eyed fan on X) on the same day Page Six confirmed that the “Wicked” co-stars split after three years of dating.

Grande’s post featured a series of pics from her “Eternal Sunshine” tour stop at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, over the weekend.

“Oakland, night one … ♡ it feels impossible to find the words at this time,” the singer, 32, wrote, “So for now, just thank you. from the bottom of my heart. i love you all more than words can ever possibly say.
and i missed you. thank you.”

Ethan Slater showed his support for ex-girlfriend Ariana Grande by liking her Instagram post (as pictured here), amid news of their breakup.
Grande (performing here in 2025) kicked off her “Eternal Sunshine” tour at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California. Ralph Bavaro/NBC via Getty Images

Photos in the carousel included both black-and-white and colored shots of Grande performing on stage.

During opening night, the “Wicked” star fought back tears while thanking her fans for being there for her return to touring after seven years.

“I missed you. It’s great to see you,” Grande gushed. “This is very overwhelming, so thank you so much for all of your love.”

The singer also gave a cheeky nod to her divorce from ex-husband Dalton Gomez while singing her 2019 track, “Thank U, Next.”

During opening night, the “Wicked” star (pictured here in 2024) thanked her fans for their support. Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images
While singing “Thank U, Next,” Grande referenced her failed marriage to ex Dalton Gomez (pictured here together), whom she divorced in 2024 after three years of marriage. arianagrande/Instagram

The catchy track — which also references Grande’s exes Big Sean, Pete Davidson and the late Mac Miller — includes a line about getting married.

After belting out the lyric, “Only wanna do it once, real bad / Gon’ make that s–t last,” Grande jokingly held up two fingers, seemingly referencing the fact that she’ll have to tie the knot a second time.

Grande was married to the luxury real estate agent, 30, for three years before the pair finalized their divorce in March 2024.

The actress met Slater (pictured here in 2025) while on the set of “Wicked” in late 2022, while still married to the relator. Andrew H. Walker / Shutterstock
At the time, the “Gen V” star (pictured here with Grande in 2025) was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay. John Salangsang/for Audi / Shutterstock

While married to Gomez, the actress met Slater, 34, while on the set of “Wicked” in late 2022.

The “Gen V” actor was also married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, at the time. The two share one child, 3-year-old son Ezra.

In June 2023, Jay blasted Grande to Page Six, stating that, “[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl.”

She added at the time, “My family is just collateral damage.”

In summer 2023, Jay called out Grande (pictured here with Slater in 2025), saying she is “not a girl’s girl.” Jay L. Clendenin/for SAG / Shutterstock
Sources claimed that Slater was separated from his now-estranged wife when he met Grande (pictured here in February 2025). Variety via Getty Images

At the time, a source insisted to Page Six that Slater and Jay had been separated for two months before his romance with Grande started.

“[Jay is] rightfully upset because her marriage fell apart, but Ariana and Ethan didn’t do anything wrong,” the insider alleged.

News broke Monday that Grande and Slater had called it quits.

Grande and Slater (pictured here in March 2025) called it quits earlier this year after three years together. Penske Media via Getty Images
A source told Page Six that the pop star (pictured here with Slater) “is feeling really happy and focused on the next chapter with her ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour and the upcoming release of her album ‘Petal.’” Presley Ann Photo/for SAG / Shutterstock

“Ariana and Ethan broke up several months ago but they’ve remained friends since then and have nothing but respect and admiration for one another,” a source told Page Six Monday.

“This wasn’t a decision they took lightly, but realized they were better off friends than in a committed relationship. Ariana is feeling really happy and focused on the next chapter with her ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour and the upcoming release of her album ‘Petal.’”

TMZ, who was first to report the news, added that Grande’s upcoming album (set for release in July) is not inspired by her time or breakup with Slater.

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