Ethan Slater Reportedly ‘Surprised’ By Estranged Wife Lilly Jay’s Comments About Ariana Grande
Since Ethan Slater’s new relationship with Ariana Grande has been revealed, more details of their connection have come out, and Slater’s estranged wife Lilly Jay has not been painting a flattering picture. The SpongeBob Squarepants actor is allegedly really shocked by some of the statements Jay has made, specifically to Page Six this week.
“[Ariana’s] the story really. Not a girl’s girl,” Jay claimed. “My family is just collateral damage. The story is her and Dalton [Gomez].”
It was alleged that Jay has been trying to contact media outlets, but now, TMZ reports that she has told Slater that she did not know the source of “various media leaks” and so Slater was “more than surprised” to see her quoted. Of the Page Six report, she supposedly “did not understand what it meant that she was on the record.”
The Wicked star “desperately” wants to co-parent his infant son with Jay and they have been debating the release of a statement saying as much. She, however, wishes to defer.
Another source speaking to Page Six said that Jay has told Slater and others “that she only cares about protecting their child.”
“She’s rightfully upset because her marriage fell apart, but Ariana and Ethan didn’t do anything wrong,” the insider added. “Ethan is trying to take the high road and hopes he can resolve this situation for the sake of their child.”
Slater filed for divorce from Jay on Wednesday in New York state, and matters of custody will be decided through the process. Grande is separated from her former husband, Dalton Gomez, who another source told US Magazine is still hoping for reconciliation.
“Although Dalton knows Ariana has moved on with Ethan, he still hasn’t given up hope that they can make things work,” they said. “On one hand, Dalton wants to give Ariana her space, but on the other, he’s been trying to remain in contact with her.”
Aimée Lutkin is the weekend editor at ELLE.com. Her writing has appeared in Jezebel, Glamour, Marie Claire and more. Her first book, The Lonely Hunter, will be released by Dial Press in February 2022.