Dr. Lilly Jay defends against misogynistic expectations in Ariana Grande's romance

In London, during 2022, Lilly Jay relocated with her two-month-old son to support her husband Ethan Slater as he filmed Wicked. However, their marriage ended, and news of Ethan's relationship with Ariana Grande emerged. Their separation became public in February 2023, and Lilly filed for divorce in September 2023, finalizing it the same month. Post-separation, Lilly shared her emotional struggles in an essay discussing the impact of public scrutiny on her family and career. She highlighted her devotion to co-parenting and the challenges of being in the limelight following their split. Lilly’s essay described her heartbreak as she navigated through a publicly scrutinized divorce from Ethan Slater while handling the emotional weight of supporting him as he pursued his career. She penned about feeling overwhelmed by the promotion of Wicked, equating it with the saddest days of her life as she dealt with the profound personal loss. Despite her trials, she remained focused on her son, maintaining that both parents love him equally and are committed to effective co-parenting despite their changed relationship dynamics. As the relationship between Ethan and Ariana became more public, Lilly felt increasingly unable to escape from the shadow of their romance. She revealed in her writing the strong desire to maintain privacy while acknowledging the difficulties inherent in a very public divorce, especially as a clinical psychologist who valued a hidden life dedicated to helping others. Her discussions encapsulated the stigma of divorce, the trials of postpartum mental health, and the struggle to redefine her identity in light of personal and public challenges. Lilly also noted her relief that she has not lashed out at Ariana or blamed her for the situation. Instead, she opted to express her authentic emotions, emphasizing that her struggles were more closely tied to her relationship with Ethan. She chose to control her narrative, marking a significant step toward personal liberation as she navigated her new normal. The social media response to Ethan's behavior has largely been negative, criticizing his quick transition to a relationship with a high-profile celebrity just as he left his family behind.