Ariana Grande Loses Over 350K Followers As She Continues To Face Backlash Over Her New Single Lyrics About Ethan Slater

Ariana Grande Posts An Emotional Message On Her Instagram Story

Apparently feeling rather reflective, the Sam & Cat actress took to her Instagram story to share her thoughts and feelings on the last year—and she's had a busy one. She's spent a large majority of the year filming Wicked, in which she plays Galinda, and is coincidentally where she met Ethan Slater, who's playing the role of Boq. "One of the most transformative, most challenging, and yet happiest and most special years of my life," the pop star called it.

Ariana and Ethan got together in July, after reports of chemistry on set and eventually the news of the end of their respective marriages. Given the circumstances, especially of Ethan's decade-long relationship and infant child, people were quick to attack Ariana on social media, calling her a "home wrecker." In response, she wrote, "I have never felt more pride or joy or love 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."

However, many fans do stand with her, and it's clear the "thank u, next" singer feels that support. "I have never felt more tightly held or fiercely protected by those who love and understand me (friends, family, and fans alike)," she wrote. "I feel safe, even amidst so many things I'd usually be afraid of."

And going into 2024, Ariana said she felt optimistic: "I am reacting to things that deserve my energy only and removing and protecting myself from things that do not," she says. And to her fans: "I am wrapping you all in a cocoon of love and wishing you a very happy, healthy new year. If you ever feel misunderstood or alone, just remember that it will pass and you are not. Take a deep breath and know that you are so incredibly loved."

Fans Take Sides On Social Media

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, with a screenshot of Ariana's story post, fans (and non-fans) have left over 800 comments, each either defending the "7 Rings" singer or slamming her. "She met his wife, held their baby, and then got with him right after...nobody is misunderstanding, in fact I think we understand perfectly," one person replied.

"She's getting dragged for good reason," another person wrote.

"She's still a home wrecker regardless," added another.

"Girl it didn't take much to piece together what happened with Ethan and his family," wrote one person.

"Misunderstood??" another person said. "Girl you broke a marriage and you're happy with that?"

But other fans rushed to Ariana's side and defended her. "Ariana is one of the sweetest people ever," one fan replied. "She didn't deserve how harsh most have been towards her."

"Y'all need to stop acting like you know everything about celebrities just because you read a dumb article," another comment reads.

"We stand with her," one fan added.

"She ate that," another fan said. "She shouldn't worry about the media tbh."

"She's so sweet and compassionate how can you not love her," said one person.

"Let's support her and understand her feelings," a final fan commented.