Ethan Slater’s Ex-Wife Reflects on Divorce and Public Scrutiny in Candid Essay
Dr. Lilly Jay, the ex-wife of actor Ethan Slater, has opened up about her divorce and the challenges she’s faced in the aftermath of his relationship with Ariana Grande.
Slater, best known for his role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, filed for divorce earlier this year following the announcement of his romance with Grande, which reportedly began during the filming of Wicked.
Slater and his wife divorced earlier this year. Credit: Jamie McCarthy/Getty
The Memoir
In a heartfelt and introspective essay for The Cut, Jay shared her deeply personal journey through heartbreak, public scrutiny, and her path forward as a single mother.
“No one gets married thinking they’ll get divorced, in the same way, we don’t board a plane expecting to crash,” she wrote. “But I really never thought I would get divorced—especially not just after giving birth to my first child and especially not in the shadow of my husband’s new relationship with a celebrity.”
Reflections on Her Marriage and Motherhood
Jay revealed that her life changed drastically when she moved abroad with her 2-month-old son to support Slater’s career.
“Consumed by the magic and mundanity of new motherhood, I didn’t understand the growing distance between us,” she admitted.
Jay has opened up about her divorce. Credit: Walter McBride/Getty
She described the heartbreak of seeing Wicked, where her ex-husband’s romance with Grande reportedly blossomed, become a constant reminder of her struggles.
“I have been unable to escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life,” she confessed.
Healing and Optimism
Despite the emotional toll, Jay is determined to move forward for the sake of her son.
“In the countless hours I spend rocking my son to sleep, pushing his stroller, marvelling at his sweaty little hands grasping a crayon, I work diligently on my private project of accepting the sudden public downfall of my marriage,” she shared.
Grande and Slater sparked a romance on the set of Wicked. Credit: Gilbert Flores/Getty
She expressed hope for the future: “Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I planned with my high-school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child.”
Life in the Public Eye
Jay, who had previously maintained a private life, now finds herself grappling with the pressures of public attention.
“If I can’t be invisible anymore, I may as well introduce myself,” she concluded.
While her marriage has ended, Jay emphasized the unwavering love both she and Slater have for their son.
“Both of us fiercely love our son 100 percent of the time,” she wrote, highlighting their shared commitment to co-parenting.
Jay’s candid essay has resonated with many, shedding light on the often-overlooked personal struggles behind public headlines.
Featured Image Credit: Flores/Getty
