Ariana Grande’s boyfriend Ethan Slaterhis romance with the pop star appeared in the middle of his breakup His wife of five years admits it was “really difficult” to go public with their relationship.

“I think that’s one thing that’s really difficult about things in your private life being interpreted and viewed by the public,” the Broadway star said. he told GQ in a profile published Wednesday.

“There’s been a lot of really big changes that have happened in private lives, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s going on commenting on it and speculating about it and then doing things wrong about the people you love. So just getting a handle on this part of it feels really difficult.

When Slater, 32, and Grande, 31, started dating after meeting on the set of the movie adaptation of “Wicked,” not only was he fresh out of marriage, but so was Grande.

“Thank U, Next” singer Dalton broke up with Gomez After two years of marriage in January 2023, sources previously confirmed to Page Six. then ex lovers They settled their divorce. in October of that year.

Speculation about whether there was any overlap in relationships and an explosive interview with Slater’s ex-wife Lilly Jay. Called Grande “not a girl’s girl” sparked an online uproar against the “7 Rings” singer, she called him a “homewrecker.”

But sources previously told Page Six that although Jay was “rightfully upset,” Grande and Slater “did nothing wrong” as they began dating two months after the “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical” star’s split.

“Ethan is trying to take the high road and hopes he can resolve this situation for the sake of his children,” the insider added at the time, referring to the actor and Jay’s 2-year-old son.

Elaborating further on the backlash, Slater told GQ: “I have an amazing support system of family and friends who I talk to and trust.

“I really focus on the real people in my life, that these things are affecting them, and that every real person is doing the right thing, not the Twitter people commenting on it.”

Grande is already He responded to criticism with his music “Yes, And?” – he asked without any shame: “Why do you care so much who I ride?” – And in interviews, additionally.

“The most disappointing part was seeing so many people believe the worst version (of our relationship),” the “We Can’t Be Friends” singer told Vanity Fair of Slater in September.

“There can be no less accurate portrayal of a person than the portrayal of him that the tabloids spread. …. There is no one with a kinder heart in this world. And that’s something no tabloid can rewrite in real life.”

The admiration was mutual, as Slater raved about Grande to GQ for her role as Glinda in “Wicked,” which opens Nov. 22.

“I’m really, really proud of Ari and the work he’s done on this. “He devoted himself to this,” he said.

“I’m really proud to be there for this part of this, and I’m really excited to be there for the next part of it, when the world gets to see the amazing thing he’s doing.”