Ariana Grande Blasted for 'Women Are Valuable' Remark After Boyfriend's Ex-Wife Nearly Died of Childbirth

Ariana Grande's recent comments on 'women are valuable' have sparked a lot of controversy following the revelations made about Lily Jay and her near-fatal childbirth and cheating accusations with her boyfriend, Ethan Slater.

'I want women to feel that they are valuable at every stage and every aspect of their lives. No matter what happens,' Grande said in an interview with Vogue Japan.

'It's our right to evolve and to grow and to learn and play and to feel beautiful every step of the way,' she added. 'I'm celebrating you from here.'

Some have viewed the singer's remarks of the singer as hypocritical, as she had her own conflicts in her relationship.

Grande was recently interviewed by Vogue Japan and revealed her experience of fame, loss, and self-discovery. The discussion was based on her most recent accomplishments, her development as an artist, and how she owes her success to the women around her.

'I never dreamed of having this moment,' Grande said in the interview. 'I never saw this moment in my life coming.'

Grande said she felt newfound clarity and appreciation of the roots, and her late grandmother, Nonna, and mother, Joan, who have been the main sources of support during her time of being in the spotlight.

She looked back at her career achievements, such as her commercially successful performance as Glinda in the 'Wicked' franchise, which earned her a nomination at the Golden Globe.

The singer has also focused on the need to accept growth and authenticity, and a large number of her works have focused on her personal experience of balancing between personal pain and professional success.

'She really wants to preach feminism now'

Grande's statement, 'women are valuable,' has elicited both criticism and support from fans and critics. This was said in the context of her thoughts on being a woman and empowerment, and it has been seen by many as tone-deaf by her when taking into account her own personal situation at the time.

'Lilly Slater almost died during childbirth and was left alone with her 2-month-old baby while suffering postpartum,' one user said.

'She's always trying to be this girls' girl on the screen yet in reality she literally ruined someone's early childhood life,' another X user chimed in.

Meanwhile, another user commented, referencing to a song allegedly about Ethan Slater, 'And she had the audacity to release a song called "The Boy Is Mine" after all of this.'

The allegations have prompted assertions, and some believe Grande has been using feminist rhetoric, and at the same time has been accused of doing things that are inconsistent with the ideology.

Lily Jay's tragic near-fatal childbirth and publicity with Ethan Slater

Psychologist Dr Lily Jay, Slater's ex-wife, had a life-threatening case of preeclampsia when she was giving birth to her son in August 2022. She moved to London with her baby, even after the medical crash to sustain her then-husband's acting career.

This experience brought out the vulnerability of postpartum, particularly in the presence of the emotional pressure of being in a foreign land and also having to contend with the deterioration of her marriage.

In July 2023, Jay and her husband, Ethan Slater, divorced following a series of headlines in the tabloids that Slater was dating Ariana Grande. She has referred to her family as collateral damage and complained of losing her anonymity.

The publicity happened in the time frame of her professional work and personal life, and the emotional effect of watching the 'Wicked' film promotion, which she correlates to the saddest moments.

Jay still affirmed that she continued to co-parent with Slater, despite the scandal. She highlights how she has accepted her new reality by utilising her experience in enhancing her therapy practise.

'Slowly but surely, I have come to believe that in the absence of the life I planned with my high-school sweetheart, a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child,' she wrote in an op-ed in The Cut.

Going strong despite the breakup

As of January 2026, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater remain together and are described as being in a "solid place," despite lingering breakup rumors. Recent sightings and insider reports confirm they are thriving privately, focusing on their careers.

The couple has been living together in New York City since late 2023, enjoying simple domestic routines like playing board games and binge-watching shows. Rumors intensified after Grande attended the Golden Globes with a friend instead of Slater.

However, sources emphasize their commitment, noting that their deliberate public distance is to prioritize their professional projects. The couple continues to support each other publicly, including Slater's heartfelt Instagram tribute to Grande last year.