Last month, the Daily Mail had several stories about Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship. I tend to pick and choose what I believe from the British tabloids, but I found the Mail’s reporting somewhat credible and believable. They basically said that Ethan and Ari’s relationship was strained, if not completely toxic and on-and-off, and they’re basically only still together so that they can get through the Wicked promotion. Much of that is educated guesswork: Ariana enjoys men for a good time not a long time, and many couples formed on a film set only make it through the promotion and awards season. Plus, Spongebob was always going to get the worst end of the stick – he was married with a newborn when he dropped everything for Ariana. Anyway, weeks after the Mail’s stories, TMZ has this update:

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have been the subject of numerous breakup rumors lately … but TMZ has learned the speculation isn’t accurate and the split isn’t true.

Sources close to the couple tell us … they are still absolutely together romantically despite multiple media reports and online theories implying they’ve broken up.

Some outlets and social accounts fueled the split speculation further Tuesday when the two were seen not standing next to each other as the “Wicked” cast posed for their cast photo at the UK premiere in London on Monday night.

However, multiple witnesses at the premiere tell us they saw the two holding hands and being affectionate backstage. Our sources assure us everything’s great between them, and despite busy work schedules, they always make time for each other.

We’re also told Ariana wrapped “Focker in Law” not long before the “Wicked” press tour kicked off, and when she’s off the clock, she’s a notorious homebody … meaning most of their hangouts happen at home. So, while the Internet may be spinning its theories, our sources are adamant they’re just private people and want the focus to be on their movie and not their private lives.

[From TMZ]

Sure. They’re still “together.” They were affectionate “behind the scenes.” They spend a lot of time together away from the cameras, we promise! If Ariana gets Oscar-nominated in a few months, they’ll stick together through the awards season, I’m sure. But come March or April? Yeah, we’ll get a “we’re breaking up but she still adores him and wishes him well” statement.

Photos courtesy of Backgrid, Cover Images, Avalon Red.