Ariana Grande and rumored boyfriend Ethan Slater have taken a big step in their relationship as the couple was recently spotted having dinner with the pop star’s father in New York City.
Photos shared by Page six show the Bad film co-stars and Broadway alumni jumping out of a black SUV and heading to a local Italian restaurant with Grande’s father, Ed Butera, in tow. A source also told the outlet that Grande, 30, her father and other friends and family went to visit Slater, 31, in Spama lot on Broadway.
During the most recent outing, just days before Christmas, the “Side to Side” singer wore a miniskirt, a black cardigan, sheer tights with fluffy cuffs and a hat. For his part, Slater suited up in all-black athletic gear, including Nike tennis shoes and a North Face jacket.
Butera, 65, also wore all black in the photos and at one point appeared to make the pinch gesture while standing next to his daughter outside the establishment. Grande must have liked the photo because she later posted a zoomed-in version of just her father’s face and hand looking at her Instagram story.
The dinner date comes just a few days after the Hairspray Live! actress posted a photo dump on Instagram before Christmas that showed off many fans assuming it’s a cheeky reference to her alleged boyfriend.
On Thursday, the singer shared a photo of a Christmas tree, with an ornament shaped like a SPAM container, seemingly an Easter egg tied to Slater’s role in the Broadway revival of Spama lot.
In October, a source ET provided an update about Grande and Slater’s romance, following her divorce from Dalton Gomez and Slaters’ divorce by Lilly Jay. According to the source, the couple is “on the same page” and “still very excited about their relationship.”
“Ariana thinks Ethan is ridiculously talented, likes that they get along and that he challenges her artistically,” the source said. “Ethan wants the best for Ariana and for themselves as a couple. They support and uplift each other.”
The source added that Slater, who shares a son with his ex, is “invested in developing his relationship with Ariana and her family” as he is still “a hands-on dad.”
“Ariana’s family is obviously protective of her,” the source noted, “but as long as she is happy and treated well, they will continue to support their relationship.”
A source confirmed to ET in July that Grande and Gomez had split after two years of marriage, noting that the couple – who tied the knot in May 2021, five months later to announce their engagement – “just weren’t a good fit in the end.”
Around the same time, TMZ reported that Slater had filed for divorce from his wife of five years, while another source reiterated to ET that Grande and Slater started dating after both split from their respective spouses.
Following the divorce news, Jay provided an exclusive quote Page sixwho calls her family “collateral damage” in Slater and Grande’s new romance.
“[Ariana’s] the story actually. Not a girl’s girl,” Jay said. “My family is just collateral damage.”
Since the beginning of their relationship, the couple has been spotted numerous times, including in November when Grande Sbooed at opening night by Spama lot to support Slater. Grande had that too previously attended an early performance of the show on Halloween night.
Grande and Slater were also spotted together backstage at Gutenberg! The musical! around the same time they posed with the stars of the show, Andreas Rannells And Jos Gad. They attended the show with Slater’s Spama lot co-star, Michael Urie.
#Ariana #Grande #Ethan #Slater #step #York #dinner #dad
