Ariana Grande says she feels ‘misunderstood’ after Ethan Slater scandal

Ariana Grande has given a rare statement about her controversial relationship with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

The singer shared a lengthy paragraph to her Instagram Story, after posting a series of photos from throughout 2024.

“I have never felt more pride of joy or live while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life,” she wrote.

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Grande split with her husband, Dalton Gomez, earlier this year. Shortly after that, she began dating Slater, who was also married, and had recently welcomed a newborn.

“I have never felt more tightly held or fiercely protected by those who love and understand me (friends, family, and fans alike),” Grande continued on her Story.

“I feel safe, even amidst so many things I’d usually be afraid of. I am listening to and trusting myself, even when fear or trauma tells me not to,” she continued.

The 30-year-old singer added that her year has been “transformative,” “challenging” and “special”.

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This year, Grande filmed the musical movie Wicked, in which she stars as Galinda the Good Witch.

“I gave everything I could have possibly given of my heart and of myself to the projects I was fortunate enough to be a part of,” she wrote of her involvement in the movie, “and learned so much from every brilliant, beautiful, soul that I had the privilege of creating art with and crossing paths with this year.”

“I feel more human than ever,” she concluded. “I feel more deeply than ever. I feel softer and stronger, all at once.”

Earlier this week, Grande confirmed that her new album would be coming in 2024.

In July, Page Six confirmed the rumours that Grande and Slater, 31, were secretly dating.

That same month, Slater filed for divorce from his wife, who was “completely blindsided,” according to sources.

Lilly Jay had been with the Broadway actor since high school and married for four years, and had welcomed their first child 11 months prior.

“[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl,” Jay told Page Six. “My family is just collateral damage.”

Grande filed for divorce in September; it was finalised a month later.