Ariana Grande’s relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater has taken the spotlight in recent months, but not in the way the pop star might have hoped. As the media frenzy surrounding their romance intensifies, Ariana appears to be in full-on damage control mode, desperately trying to rebrand the narrative that’s been painted around their relationship. From accusations of cheating to backlash from fans, Ariana is working overtime to distance herself from the scandal — but will it work, or is the damage already done?

The Relationship Timeline: A Fast-Track Romance
Ariana and Ethan’s romance has been shrouded in controversy from the very beginning. The pair went public with their relationship just months after both finalized divorces from their respective spouses. Ariana’s split from real estate agent Dalton Gomez was finalized in March 2023, while Ethan filed for divorce from his wife, Lily Jay, soon after his relationship with Ariana was revealed.

Their swift moves from marriage to a high-profile relationship have sparked widespread speculation about the timing. Critics argue that the timeline suggests both Ariana and Ethan rushed into their new relationships, leaving their previous partners and commitments in the dust. For Ethan, the stakes were high — he was not only ending a marriage, but also separating from Lily, the mother of his child, just as he began a new chapter with Ariana.

Ariana’s fans, meanwhile, have been less than thrilled with the speed at which she moved on from Dalton. Her divorce settlement reportedly included a hefty payment of $1.25 million, which added fuel to the fire of rumors about her true feelings for her ex. As for Ethan, the sudden shift from his family life to a public romance with Ariana has raised eyebrows — especially given that the two were reportedly involved shortly after their respective marriages ended.

The “Cheating” Allegations: Ariana’s Denial
The most damaging accusation that has followed Ariana and Ethan’s relationship is the claim that they both cheated on their spouses. Lily Jay, Ethan’s ex-wife, has publicly accused Ariana of being a “homewrecker,” alleging that Ariana and Ethan’s affair began while they were still married. This fueled a storm of backlash, with many fans questioning Ariana’s role in the breakup of Ethan’s family.

Despite the criticism, Ariana has firmly denied any claims of infidelity. Sources close to her have reiterated that she and Ethan did not cheat on their partners, but the timing of their relationship has made it difficult for the public to fully accept this narrative. The idea that they both left their partners and families so quickly raises suspicions about the true nature of their connection.

In an effort to combat the growing scandal, Ariana has been working hard to reframe the narrative surrounding her relationship with Ethan. She and her team have been strategic in addressing the allegations — including sending “sources” to the press to paint the picture of a genuine and “organic” connection between the two. These statements, however, have done little to quell the public’s doubts. As many fans have pointed out, Ariana’s words don’t always match the optics of the situation.

The Soft Launch and Public Rebranding
In the midst of the media storm, Ariana and Ethan have taken their relationship public in a very calculated way. The couple has been “soft-launching” their romance for months, slowly increasing the number of public outings and appearances together. But as the Wicked premiere approaches, it seems like they are ready to take things up a notch.

Ariana and Ethan have been photographed on several public dates, with fans speculating that they might even attend the Wicked red carpet together. While it would undoubtedly be a moment for the couple, there’s a growing concern that their personal drama could overshadow the movie’s premiere — which could be a huge success in itself.

This soft-launch strategy has not gone unnoticed. Ariana and Ethan’s increasing visibility in the public eye appears to be a part of a larger PR effort to get the public used to their relationship, despite the ongoing allegations surrounding it. Whether or not this will work remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Ariana is trying to reshape how the public perceives her and Ethan’s connection.

The Backlash: Losing Fans and Losing Ground
While Ariana’s PR team continues to push the message that her relationship with Ethan is real and healthy, the backlash continues to grow. Many fans have expressed their disappointment in Ariana, and her Instagram following has taken a hit. According to reports, she lost over 350,000 followers when her new music was released — much of which was seen as a direct response to the public’s reaction to her relationship with Ethan.

Her song “Yes and” and a cover of The Boy Is Mine have been interpreted by some as a reflection of Ariana’s attitude toward the ongoing drama — namely, that she doesn’t care what the public thinks. The lyrics seem to convey a message of defiance, which may be a coping mechanism for dealing with the backlash. However, it’s also a bold statement to make when you’re in the midst of a PR crisis, and it hasn’t helped ease the tension around her relationship.

The criticism didn’t stop there. Ariana has been slammed for making her private life too public, with some fans accusing her of intentionally using the media to shape how people view her relationships. As if to add salt to the wound, Ethan’s ex-wife, Lily Jay, has been vocal about her feelings, calling out Ariana for not being “a girls girl” and claiming that Ariana betrayed her family.

Ethan’s Divorce Drama: Pressing Questions About Priorities
As if Ariana’s situation wasn’t complicated enough, Ethan’s divorce drama has raised even more questions. Reports suggest that Ethan was eager to finalize his separation from Lily so that he could pursue a future with Ariana. The quick turnaround between the separation and public romance — especially given that Ethan and Lily had a young child together — has left many people wondering about his true intentions.

Even more awkwardly, Ethan was photographed with Ariana just days after he filed for divorce. This, too, has led to suspicion that Ethan may have rushed his marriage’s end in order to begin his relationship with Ariana, leaving many wondering whether he was truly ready to embrace fatherhood and his new relationship at the same time.

The Family Angle: Support or Silence?
Despite the growing controversy, Ariana’s family seems to be fully on board with her relationship. Her brother, Frankie Grande, recently spoke out in support of Ethan, calling him a “wonderful guy” and saying that he’s happy as long as his sister is happy. However, Ariana’s relationship with Dalton Gomez and her previous exes has raised questions about how much her family truly knows about her romantic decisions.

While Frankie may be playing the role of supportive sibling, it’s unclear how other members of her inner circle — or those close to her exes — feel about the situation. As with many Hollywood romances, the reality behind the public statements is often more complicated than what is shared in interviews.

Conclusion: Will the Rebranding Work?
Ariana Grande is undeniably talented, and her relationship with Ethan Slater has been impossible to ignore. But as she works to rebrand their relationship and reshape the narrative, it’s clear that the media attention surrounding their romance isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The accusations of cheating, the swift transitions from marriage to new love, and the public backlash are all part of a story that seems to be far from over.

For now, Ariana seems determined to keep pushing forward with her relationship, denying the cheating rumors and hoping that the public will eventually buy into her version of events. Whether or not she succeeds in rebranding her relationship with Ethan remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: she’s not backing down.