Drama Music Artists Relationships October 24, 2023
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Ariana Grande has sent shockwaves through the celebrity world as she was spotted in a passionate embrace with Ethan Slater, the star of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, during a romantic candlelit dinner at New York City’s Mandarin Oriental hotel’s MO Lounge.
The 30-year-old musical sensation, who recently finalized her divorce from Dalton Gomez, was seen indulging in a cozy tête-à-tête with the 31-year-old Slater, their private table offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Witnesses couldn’t help but comment on the electric chemistry between the two performers, describing them as “super flirty and touchy-feely” throughout the intimate meal.
Ethan, who shares a one-year-old son with his estranged wife Lilly Jay, seemed particularly hands-on with Ariana, his affectionate gestures not going unnoticed as he lovingly touched her midriff.
But this whirlwind romance has left fans and critics alike scratching their heads, questioning the rather hasty timeline of their passionate affair.
It all started back in July when news broke that Ariana and Ethan were an item, a revelation that coincided with her divorce from Dalton and his separation from wife Lilly.
Ariana and Dalton’s divorce settlement, which stipulates that Ariana won’t be legally single until March 19, 2024, appeared to have gone rather smoothly, thanks to their unyielding prenuptial agreement.
Now, Ariana, who boasts an estimated net worth of $240 million, is reportedly residing with Slater in the heart of NYC.
Meanwhile, Dalton didn’t waste any time himself and was photographed sharing a kiss with actress Maika Monroe just a few weeks ago.
In a peculiar twist, Ariana opted for a one-time payment of $1,250,000 to Dalton in lieu of spousal support. This substantial sum will remain tax-free, and she’s further committed to covering $25,000 of her ex-husband’s legal fees.
Ariana’s dedicated fans, however, have been quite vocal about their skepticism concerning her latest relationship, especially after the recent snaps of the star and her new beau emerged on TMZ.
“Love her, but this situation… I still don’t get it. Wasn’t she divorced just last month? He was married recently too, right?” inquired one perplexed individual on an online forum.
“Homewrecker allegations are here to stay,” remarked another on the social media platform X.
The comments just kept coming, with one person adding, “Wining and dining the homewrecker,” and another stating, “He should be at home with his wife and infant child.”
The love story between Ariana and Ethan took root in December 2022 on the UK set of the film adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked. Ariana, cast as Glinda, the good witch, alongside Ethan’s role as munchkin Boq, found themselves on the same magical path. Coincidentally, both couples announced their respective splits within days of each other.
Ariana revealed her separation from Dalton a mere three days before announcing her budding relationship with Ethan, who promptly filed for divorce from Lilly, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting joint custody of their son.
Lilly didn’t shy away from expressing her grievances about Ariana, accusing the Positions music artist of not being a “girl’s girl” and lamenting the collateral damage inflicted on her family due to the break-up.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Lilly declared her determination to move forward as a single mother.
The former Nickelodeon star filed for divorce on September 18, with Dalton submitting his papers on the same day. In the legal documents obtained by TMZ, Ariana’s attorney, Laura Wasser, cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the dissolution, listing the date of separation as February 20, 2023.
Insiders revealed that the former couple had ironed out all the details before heading to the courthouse, choosing to file months after their separation to ensure a smoother and more amicable transition.
