Out of hiding? Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater were spotted together on a cozy date night in New York City, creating quite a buzz. TMZ, known for their exclusive content, obtained images of the pair looking close at the Mandarin Oriental hotel and described them as “super flirty and touchy-feely.”
Back in July, news broke that Grande, 30, and Slater, 31, were dating shortly after their respective marriages to Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay had ended. However, the timeline of their relationship is still uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding their newfound romance.
Things took an unexpected turn when Jay, who shares a child with Slater, revealed in an interview that she was “completely blindsided” by his divorce filing and expressed feeling like “collateral damage” amidst his high-profile romance. However, anonymous sources have refuted these claims, stating that both Grande and Slater were already separated from their former partners when they started dating. Despite the speculation surrounding their relationship, Grande’s recently finalized divorce adds another layer of complexity to their burgeoning love story.
Ronn Torossian, a crisis PR expert and the founder/chairman of 5WPR, shares his insights with Yahoo Entertainment on how Grande can navigate this delicate situation. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding public trust and advises Grande to be patient in the progression of her new relationship with Slater.
Torossian explains, “While there is no definitive timeline to follow after a divorce or scandal, it invites further scrutiny when the parties involved rush into things too quickly. Although Grande’s divorce was just finalized earlier this month, some may view going public with Slater as premature. Waiting longer before making the relationship official could demonstrate a genuine commitment to building and maintaining a life together, rather than acting solely on infatuation.”
It seems like the beginning of Grande and Slater’s relationship is unfolding before our eyes.
A few weeks ago, Slater and Grande were seen at Disneyland with a group of friends, including Grande’s mother and brother. An insider claimed, “All of her friends love him,” and described the couple as being “really good for each other.” The same sentiment was echoed in a similar story published by People. According to a source, they went to Disneyland with a big group of friends, as well as Grande’s mom and brother, and they are “really happy and really good for each other.”
Kara Schmiemann, strategic crisis communications director at Red Banyan, also offers her perspective on the situation. She suggests that Grande and Slater may have a strategy in rolling out their relationship publicly to counter any rumors or perceptions that they left their previous marriages for a fleeting romance. By presenting themselves as serious and committed, they aim to be seen in a positive light. Schmiemann points out the importance of managing internal communication and ensuring that former partners are informed and respected.
So why go public now? It’s possible that Grande and Slater simply feel more comfortable dating openly. However, it’s worth noting that Slater has a new role lined up in the Broadway musical Spamalot, which is set to debut next month. As Schmiemann advises, they should continue living their lives but avoid the spotlight as much as possible. While their relationship is personal and private, it’s crucial to consider the implications and potential backlash that might arise from making it a spectacle.
Grande and Gomez were married for just over two years and do not have children together. Gomez has not publicly commented on their split. Slater and Jay, who were high school sweethearts, were married since 2018 and have a one-year-old son. Despite the initial scandal surrounding their relationship, the recent silence from Jay suggests that the controversial narrative may have subsided.
According to Schmiemann, “New romances come with excitement and interest, especially for celebrities who face heightened public scrutiny. While everyone should have the freedom to introduce their new relationship on their own terms, they must consider the potential consequences. It’s crucial to ensure that the people closest to them are well-informed and accepting to avoid any severe backlash.”
