Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Looked Like ‘Business Colleagues’ at SAG Awards, Body Language Expert Says
The 2025 SAG Awards brought huge names in the entertainment industry together, including Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater. Grande and Slater had a tumultuous start to their relationship after Slater was rumored to have left his wife, Lilly Jay, for the star. Grande and Slater greeted each other at the SAG Awards with a mysterious handshake, prompting fans to wonder what was going on. Here’s what a body language expert said about the couple’s interactions.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater had ‘the most perplexing body language of the SAG Awards,’ according to an expert
According to Casino.ca, body language expert Judi James said Ariana Grande and Ethal Slater had “the most perplexing body language” observed at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Grande greeted Slater with a handshake, raising eyebrows. They also opted to walk the red carpet separately after facing harsh criticism for their romance.
James noted that the couple had “the polite cordiality of two virtual strangers and the kind of excited clutching and eye-gazing you’d expect from teenagers on a third date.” She also noted that “high-profile events,” like the SAG Awards, certainly influence how celebrities behave.
“In the so-called ‘handshake’ photo, their body language resembles that of old acquaintances or business colleagues reuniting after a long time apart,” James noted. “Ethan’s crinkled eye-smile conveys warmth and approval, while Ariana’s open-mouthed smile suggests social excitement. Their eye contact and the way their hands are clasped in front of their torsos make it look like a classic, ‘Hi! How have you been?’ greeting.”
James noted that the couple’s handshake was purely performative as “it would be an unusual choice for two reasons: First, they are attending as a couple, and second, it is almost unheard of for actors to use a handshake ritual with each other. Barring the Covid era, hugs and cheek kisses even between near-strangers – are far more typical in these settings.”
The expert added that while standing side by side, they mirrored “each other’s torsos, hands, and facial expressions to signal like-minded closeness. While Ethan appears protective of Ariana, the nonverbal cues suggest she is the one more inclined to use flattery and ego-boosting in their dynamic.”
A lip reader noticed what Ethan Slater said to Ariana Grande while they were in the audience
Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande didn’t display too much affection at the SAG Awards. However, Slater appeared to protect Grande during a moment in the crowd. Nicola Hickling of LipReader told DailyMail.com that Slater whispered to Grande that she should stay close to him while they navigated the event.
“Stay near, this crowd next to me, they are pushing me,” Slater seemed to whisper to Grande as he took her hand, according to Hickling.
USA Today caught up with Slater at the awards show. “It’s been a whirlwind,” Slater said. “It’s been really special to be surrounded by so many amazing people who work on these incredible movies.”
The interviewer told Slater that he and Grande had seats next to each other. “You know what? I didn’t even know that,” Slater said. “I assume I’ll be with the Wicked company, which is pretty exciting. It’s a good group; it’s a fun group to hang out with.”
The ‘Wicked’ star’s boyfriend is ‘so proud’ of her
Ariana Grande has a lot to be proud of. She made waves as Glinda in Wicked even when her relationship with Ethan Slater threatened to dominate headlines. Slater told Access Hollywood he’s “so proud” of his incredible girlfriend.
“I am so proud of her,” Slater said. “I’m so proud of everyone who worked on this movie. For everyone, Ariana included, it was something she’s wanted to do since she was a little girl. And she’s worked so hard. It can’t be overstated how hard she worked to get the role and then to do the role justice. And Cynthia, too. It meant so much to her. And to watch them up close pour their entire selves into it, I’m unendingly proud.”
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