> At a Glance
> – Ethan Slater refuses to share stories about his son in public
> – The Wicked star wants the child to “meet the world on his own terms”
> – He co-parents with ex-wife Lilly Jay and calls fatherhood “the best thing”
> – Why it matters: Highlights growing trend of celebrity parents protecting kids’ privacy
Ethan Slater is opening up about his decision to keep his young son out of the public eye, even as his own fame soars following the blockbuster success of Wicked.
The Privacy Promise
Appearing on Gianmarco Soresi‘s podcast The Downside, the 33-year-old actor explained his parenting philosophy. “I try not to tell stories about my son because I want to let him meet the world and let the world meet him on his own terms,” Slater said.
This marks a rare moment where the Tony-nominated performer has addressed his role as a father publicly.
A Father’s Love
In an October 2024 GQ profile, Slater offered rare insight into parenting his then 2-year-old son, calling fatherhood “the best thing in the world.” He acknowledged that co-parenting “has been an interesting thing to navigate as a new parent.”
Despite his natural excitement to share, Slater remains committed to privacy:
- “There’s nothing I want to do more than just show you pictures and talk about him because he’s the best and the light of my life”
- “But I also want to give him the opportunity to meet the world on his own terms… to meet the world in an analog way and not through my words”
Co-Parenting Commitment
Slater shares his son with ex-wife Lilly Jay, who addressed their changed relationship in a December 2024 Cut essay. “While our partnership has changed, our parenthood has not,” Jay wrote. “Both of us fiercely love our son 100% of the time, regardless of how our parenting time is divided.”
Jay candidly shared the emotional complexity of their situation, noting: “As for me, days with my son are sunny. Days when I can’t escape the promotion of a movie associated with the saddest days of my life are darker.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2023 | Slater files for divorce from Jay; news breaks of his relationship with Ariana Grande |
| October 2024 | Slater gives rare parenting comments in GQ interview |
| December 2024 | Jay publishes essay in The Cut about co-parenting |
| November 2024 | Source tells News Of Los Angeles that Grande and Slater remain “incredibly supportive” of each other |
Key Takeaways
- Ethan Slater maintains strict privacy around his son to protect the child’s autonomy
- The actor balances his public career with private fatherhood, calling it “the best thing in the world”
- Both Slater and ex-wife Lilly Jay prioritize their son’s wellbeing despite their split
- The couple continues to co-parent while navigating life in the public eye
As Wicked continues its global success, Slater’s approach offers a refreshing perspective on celebrity parenting in the digital age.
