Ethan Slater’s Ex-Wife Breaks Silence on Divorce and Grande Controversy

Lilly Jay, the former spouse of Ethan Slater, renowned for his role in “Wicked,” has publicly addressed the scrutiny surrounding their divorce for the first time. In a comprehensive essay published by The Cut, Jay discussed the profound sense of “shock and mourning” she experienced following the dissolution of her marriage, a turmoil that was intensified by the media frenzy surrounding Slater’s new relationship with his “Wicked” co-star, Ariana Grande.

In her reflection, Jay articulated a sentiment familiar to many: “No one enters marriage anticipating divorce, akin to the way we do not board a plane with the expectation of a crash.” She expressed disbelief that her marriage would end, especially in the aftermath of childbirth and under the scrutiny of her husband’s newfound celebrity. Remarkably, throughout her essay, she refrains from explicitly mentioning either Slater or Grande, yet conveys that her responsibilities as a mother to their two-year-old son have been a source of solace amid her grief.

Jay noted, “Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I envisioned with my high school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness awaits me and my child.” She elaborated on the duality of her emotional experience, stating that while days spent with her son are filled with joy, the public promotion of a film associated with her heartbreak casts shadows on her perspective.

Reflecting on the broader implications of public attention to her personal life, Jay acknowledged its impact on her professional trajectory, revealing instances where she lost potential clients and job offers. Yet, she ultimately hopes her narrative will serve as an inspiration, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit: “I feared that the loss of control and postpartum depression would overcome me. One day in London, I found both had arrived, and yet, I am OK.”