Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have attracted attention not just for their burgeoning romance but also for the complex aftermath of their relationships with significant others. While the two have been busy promoting Wicked, Slater's ex-wife, Lilly Jay, recently opened up about her experiences following their divorce, shedding light on the emotional toll of their split as well as the challenges of co-parenting.
The pair's relationship began to draw media attention when it was reported they started dating shortly after both had separated from their respective spouses. Grande ended her two-year marriage to Dalton Gomez around July 2023, and within days, it was reported she was dating Slater, who had recently filed for divorce from Jay one month after their son’s first birthday. This was precipitated by Grande and Slater working together on the much-anticipated production of Wicked.
Lilly Jay's essay, published in The Cut, offers a deeply personal insight. Titled “How Does My Divorce Make You Feel?”, Jay penned her thoughts on the painful adjustments following her public split, admitting, “I never thought I would get divorced, especially not just after giving birth to my first child.” She grapples with the sadness of seeing her life changed dramatically as her ex-husband started dating a global celebrity.
Jay’s essay articulates her experience of feeling overshadowed by Slater’s relationship with Grande, especially since both Wicked and their relationship became emblazoned across media outlets. “Days with my son are sunny,” Jay wrote, “while days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker.” Such reflections highlight the challenges she faces, including the emotional burden of co-parenting with someone now entwined with the public’s eye.
The timeline of events paints a somewhat turbulent portrait. Grande was reported to have separated from Gomez on July 17, 2023, and just three days later, insiders confirmed her relationship with Slater. His subsequent divorce filing revealed the speed of the changes following their shared experiences. Interestingly, Jay suggested she and Slater are committed to being good parents to their son, asserting, “Both of us fiercely love our son 100 percent of the time, regardless of how our parenting time is divided.”
Despite the intense focus on the new couple, Jay has managed to maintain her dignity and compassion throughout this transition. An insider shared with Daily Mail, “Lilly didn’t want to throw anyone under the bus.” This sentiment is prevalent across her writing, where she refrains from disparaging either Slater or Grande—total avoidance of internalized misogyny echoing throughout her narrative. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of community support during transition periods, noting how vulnerable marriages can be postpartum.
“Consumed by the magic and mundanity of new motherhood,” Jay writes, “I didn’t understand the growing distance between us.” She explores how her relocation to London to support Slater’s acting career coincided with the erosion of their relationship. Reflecting on the societal expectations placed on women, she acknowledges the challenges of being thrust under public scrutiny, admitting, “It is nothing to be ashamed of.”
Reports suggest the couple began to fade emotionally even as they physically relocated for Slater’s career pursuits. Jay's perspective provides readers with relatability, breaking down the notion of celebrity by reinforcing she is also merely a woman grappling with loss, enjoying sunny days with her son but grappling with darker feelings associated with her divorce and the media frenzy surrounding it.
On the other hand, Grande and Slater appear to be embracing their new public image together. Since being spotted at Disney World and sharing affectionate moments at various premieres, they seem to be solidifying their bond thinly veiled under the weight of societal pressures. Yet, amid their romance, Jay’s presence remains felt, as reports and timelines often connect back to her essay's poignant revelations.
Reflecting on her relationship's downfall and the normalcy of divorce, Jay emphasized the importance of owning her narrative rather than succumbing to the public's perceptions. “Knowing what you now know,” she counsels readers, “you are so much stronger than you assume.” This message resonates with the reality of many who find themselves grappling with the aftermath of breakups, especially under the public magnifying glass.
Jay's timing also reflects her intention to prioritize her son’s future, ensuring her first public remarks about her divorce were composed thoughtfully. “I wanted to control my narrative and tell my story on my own terms,” she asserts, framing her reflections as both personal and universal—something others can learn and cope with amid life's twists and turns.
Conclusively, the intertwining paths of Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, and Lilly Jay highlight the poignant realities of love, loss, and public scrutiny, encompassing their myriad experiences as they navigate through their respective journeys. Jay’s clarity and self-reflection provide powerful insights, ensuring her voice remains clear, respectful, and engaging amid the cacophony of public opinion, effectively shining a light on the complex dynamics of divorce, celebrity, and motherhood.
