Celebrity Couples
How Ethan Slater Was ‘Told’ About Ex Ariana Grande’s Romantic Reunion With Ricky Alvarez
Ethan Slater seems to be seeing ex Ariana Grande‘s romantic reunion with Ricky Alvarez happening in real time with the rest of the world.
Since the pop star, 33, and her former backup dancer, 35, seem to be playing it cool when it comes to the nature of their relationship, Grande apparently doesn’t have to tell anyone — and that includes Slater, 34.
“Ariana hasn’t told Ethan specifically, but mutual friends have told him that she is now dating Ricky again,” an insider told the Daily Mail in an article published Thursday, July 16.
According to the Mail, the “thank u, next” singer was in contact with her ex Alvarez while she was dating her Wicked costar. However, things between Grande and Alvarez “never crossed the line while she was with Ethan,” the Mail report stated.
“As her relationship was ending with Ethan, she chose to reach out to Ricky more,” a source told the publication. “Then hang out with him more with mutual friends… and then they started hanging out alone.”
It was important to the Wicked actress to “still be loosely in contact” with Alvarez since they have “mutual friends,” the source claimed.
In recent days, the status of Alvarez and Grande’s relationship has made headlines as the singer keeps changing lyrics to her breakup anthem on her Eternal Sunshine Tour.
Grande recently was heard singing, “Wrote some songs about Ricky; we always find our way back” — replacing the original lyric “now I listen and laugh.”
Earlier this week, a source told People that Grande and her ex are “taking things very slowly,” adding: “Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend. She’s not held ill will against him [since their split]. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy and very supportive. Ariana feels she can be herself around Ricky.”
As for Slater, it was reported in June that he and Grande had amicably split. Prior to their relationship, the Broadway actor was married to wife Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a son.
Jay told Page Six in 2023 that her family was “collateral damage” amid the beginning of his relationship with Grande.
