Lip Reading Expert Reveals Ariana Grande’s Private Conversation With Boyfriend

Ariana Grande and boyfriend Ethan Slater attended the 2025 SAG Awards, where a lip reader revealed their conversation.

During the 2025 SAG awards on Sunday, Slater and Grande moved through the crowd to find their seats. Meanwhile, professional lip reader Nicola Hickling claimed that the SpongeBob SquarePants Broadway star whispered to Grande, “Stay near, this crowd next to me, they are pushing me.”

The Wicked stars dressed elegantly for the occasion. The Dangerous Woman singer wore a light pink, off-the-shoulder gown with floral details, paired with a slick ponytail. Slater wore a classic black tuxedo.

In 2021, the pop star married real estate agent Dalton Gomez. However, in 2023, the pair split. Shortly after, sources confirmed the involvement of Grande and Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. Meanwhile, Slater filed for divorce from his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, almost a year after they had their first child. Ultimately, the two were confirmed to be dating just days after Slater’s divorce was finalized.

Additionally, the Victorious star made countless public appearances with Slater during the promotion of Wicked, attending numerous film-related events together. However, both Broadway stars received scrutiny online. Nevertheless, sources stated that the pair “didn’t begin seeing each other until after both parties were separated, respectfully.”

The Wicked star opened up about how social media affects her relationship. “It’ll never be un-painful,” Grande stated. “But also, I walk with the awareness that I’m an artist and this is a path that I’ve chosen, and so I just try to protect myself so that I never start to resent the art.”

The actress reflected on how she practices healing. She commented, “…beneath all of it is just a girl from Boca who loves art, and I think that’s why it’s been such a deeply healing gift to disappear into this character—to take off one mask and put on another.”