Viral Misinformation: Ethan Slater's 2017 Film Scene Falsely Labeled as Adult Content on Social Media

Following the theatrical release of "Wicked: For Good," a manipulated video clip featuring actor Ethan Slater circulated across social media platform X, sparking widespread misinformation about the performer's filmography. The edited footage showed Slater in a scene from an independent 2017 short film, but had been altered with a watermark from Gay Hoopla, an adult entertainment website, creating the false impression that Slater had appeared in pornographic content.

The viral post gained significant traction as users shared the misleading clip alongside claims that Slater had starred in adult films. Social media users expressed confusion and concern in response to the false information. One user commented online: "Is this AI? What is this? This can't be real? Gay hoopla, too? Like? ?? ?? "Another wrote: "So apparently Ethan Slater did gay p0rn, "while a third made a reference to Slater's partner, actor Ariana Grande.

The footage in question originates from "FunEmployment," an independently produced 11-minute short film released in 2017. In the film, Slater plays a minor role credited only as "Isaac's roommate." The scene shows Slater posing with his arms behind his head before engaging in mock-wrestling with another male actor—a completely non-sexual interaction. According to the film's IMDb description, "FunEmployment" follows "a manny/aspiring comedian"navigating a disastrous day.

The video is not pornographic in nature and was never created for or distributed through adult platforms. The watermark added to the viral version was digitally inserted by those sharing the false narrative, not part of the original film.

Prior to his major film role as Boq in the "Wicked" adaptation, Slater was primarily known for his critically acclaimed work in theater. He received a Tony Award nomination for originating the title role in "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical," establishing himself as a respected performer in the Broadway community.

Slater became the subject of intense public scrutiny in mid-2023 when his relationship with Grande was publicly confirmed shortly after both stars had separated from their respective spouses. The news of their romance sparked controversy due to the timing and circumstances surrounding their relationship's emergence. Despite the public speculation and tabloid coverage regarding the timeline of their romance, Grande and Slater have consistently maintained that their relationship began after they were both single.

In October 2025, reports emerged suggesting that Slater and Grande were experiencing relationship difficulties. According to a source speaking to the Daily Mail, Slater was reportedly struggling with the demands of Grande's high-profile lifestyle while balancing his own career and co-parenting responsibilities with his ex-wife Lilly Jay. The source alleged: "He sometimes wonders if he should have stayed in his quieter world; the contrast is brutal," and "He loves her, but he's drowning in the circus of her life."

However, these reports were disputed just weeks later. In November 2025, sources close to the couple confirmed they were "still very much together" despite online speculation about a potential breakup. Following the "Wicked" UK premiere in London, eyewitnesses reported seeing Grande and Slater "holding hands" and sharing affectionate moments backstage.

Grande's Instagram post from the "Wicked" UK premiere featured the cast, including Slater, in an official group photograph. While some social media users initially speculated about a split when the two were not standing directly beside each other in the photo, eyewitnesses clarified that the couple was seen together in affectionate moments throughout the event.

According to insiders, the pair's relationship remains strong despite their demanding professional schedules. Grande recently completed filming "Focker in Law" before embarking on the "Wicked" press tour, while Slater continues to balance his work commitments. Sources indicate that when off-duty, the couple prefers spending quiet time together at home, with Grande described as "a notorious homebody." The couple, who met while working on "Wicked," are reportedly focused on their projects rather than engaging with public speculation.