'Outer Banks' Fans Are Really Not Happy With THAT Death In The 'OBX' Season 4 Ending

outer banks 4 jj death

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead!

ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 dropped its second half on November 7, and fans have a lot of very strong feelings about it. Despite the fact JJ's entire character arc is about defiance, hope, and being the ultimate Pogue, Outer Banks season 4 ended with his biological dad, a kook named Chandler Groff, killing him in cold blood.

It's an absolutely devastating ending for everyone's favorite character, and fans are having a hard time coping with the loss. The fact we only got 10 episodes of JJ and Kiara together (a relationship written into the show after viewers picked up on the chemistry between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey) makes it even worse — and a lot of fans are saying they won't watch the show again.

"I can’t even watch the previous seasons anymore knowing how it all ends," viewer Jordyn Bruder says in an email. "JJ was the literal heart of OBX and he was the glue that held the Pogues together. There is no OBX without JJ."

Outer Banks Fan Reactions To JJ's Death

​In which episode does JJ die?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."

While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."

Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."

Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.

"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."

"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."

Why does JJ get killed off?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."

"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.

Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.

The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."

​Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.

"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."

Jackson Lee Davis/NetflixYep, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character

However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."

"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."

Let us know your thoughts on the Outer Banks season 4 ending on TikTok. And check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum made headlines for their whirlwind romanceafter they met while making Zoë's directorial debutBlink Twice. Fans were so excited to learn they were engaged, but on October 29, multiple sources reported that the couple had broken up — and called off their upcoming wedding. Here's a look back at their relationship timeline.

Keep reading for the latest news on Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum's relationship and breakup.

Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum's Relationship Timeline

Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

February 10, 2017 — The Lego Batman Movie Premieres

Glimmers of their love story began in 2017 when Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum lent their voices to the hit animated film, The Lego Batman Movie. Little did they know that this animated connection would pave the way for their real-life love story a few years later.

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for ABA

Summer 2021 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Work Together Again

Kravitz was all set to work with Tatum in her directorial debut film P*ssy Island. This creative endeavor brought the two closer, both personally and professionally, setting the stage for a unique partnership. While working on the film, Tatum advised Kravitz not to take on too much, showcasing the supportive and collaborative nature of their relationship. Both stars had nothing but praise for each other's work and creativity.

Image via Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

August 2021 — Zoë Kravitz Gets A Fresh Start

At the start of 2021, Zoë Kravitz divorced her former spouse, eventually sparking rumors a possible romance with Channing Tatum. This marked the potential for the beginning of their exciting journey as a couple, with their personal lives becoming increasingly intertwined. August was a pivotal month for these two, too. Channing Tatum showed his love and support by following various fan-run Instagram accounts dedicated to Zoë Kravitz. It wasn't long before their relationship made its way into the public eye. And hello, did you see that Brooklyn bike ride? It was clear this couple was meant-to-be kinda cute from the beginning!

Images via Theo Wargo/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

September 13, 2021 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Make Their Red Carpet Debut

The couple made their debut — stepping up and out at the iconic Met Gala, a night filled with glamour and romance. Their joint appearance in multiple after party pictures confirmed their blossoming relationship to the world. Kravitz wore a sexy chain dress, while Tatum looked incredibly handsome in a black tux.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

November 15, 2022 — Zoë Kravitz Calls Her Relationship With Channing Tatum "Sacred"

In a GQ interview, Zoë Kravitz opened up about her relationship with Tatum. She shared that they chose to keep their love story relatively low-key, wanting to keep it sacred and private for as long as possible. “He’s just a wonderful human," she says. "He makes me laugh and we both really love art and talking about art and the exploration of why we do what we do. We love to watch a film and break it down and talk about it and challenge each other."

“You want to keep it sacred and private as long as you can,” Kravitz continues. “So that you don’t have to even think about what the world thinks about it.”

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

January 17, 2023 — Channing Tatum Says He's A "Monogamist"

Channing Tatum candidly discussed the early days of his relationship with Zoë Kravtiz in Vanity Fair, revealing they briefly lost touch before rekindling their connection on the set of P*ssy Island. He also opened up about his struggles in matters of the heart.

“Relationships are hard for me,” Channing says. “I am a bit of a monogamist...but heart things, when it comes to people I love, I have a really hard time. I end up trying too hard, you know?”

Image via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Kering

June 2023 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Taking Things Slowly

Sources close to the couple revealed to US Weeklythat Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum were in no hurry to get engaged, as both had experienced failed marriages before. "They are perfectly happy with where things are and cherish [their] special relationship," the source says. "Having a baby is a very real possibility. But they enjoy taking things slowly."

Images via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Academy Museum of Motion Pictures/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Engaged!

After a romantic date night in Paris during Fashion Week, Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum are getting married! In October, the lovebirds finally took the next step and got engaged, per PEOPLE, promising a future filled with love and adventure. YAY! We love love!

January 26, 2024 — Channing Tatum Supports Zoë Kravitz' New Movie

Channing recently took to Instagram to show his support of Zoë directing Blink Twice (formerly named P*ssy Island) and even shared a cute BTS video of them looking intently at a scene being filmed. "MISS DIRECTOR LADY HERSELF IN ACTION!!" he says in the caption. "ABSOLUTELY CRUSHING IT. CAN’T WAIT FOR YALL TO SEE."

Image via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Kering

March 4, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Are Doing "Fantastic"

"Channing and Zoë are doing fantastic and could not be more in love," a source tells ET. "They’re so thrilled about their engagement and to be taking this next step together." The fact that *they're* excited about their engagement makes *me* even more excited for them!

August 9, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Attend The Blink Twice Premiere

Look out world because Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum have officially stepped out on the red carpet together! They stunned in gorgeous, minimalistic black ensembles at the premiere of Blink Twice and made us wish we could've been specks of dust on what they were wearing.

Zoë wore a satin Saint Laurent dress and kept the rest of her look simple while Channing took dapper to the next level with a tailored black suit. Honestly, this is one sexy couple whose engagement rumors we hope are true.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

August 14, 2024 — Lenny Kravitz Is Excited For Zoë's Wedding

Fans may be surprised to know Zoë Kravtiz and Channing Tatum didn't know each other before she shared her idea for Blink Twice. Spending time together snowballed into the romantic relationship they have today, but wedding bells aren't ringing soon. Though her dad, Lenny Kravitz announced he's excited for the couple's wedding (via Entertainment Tonight), Zoë admitted that she and Channing have talked about it "in passing," (via Esquire).

Also, you might want to erase the image of Zoë being a mother from your brain because she doesn't think she'll be taking on that role. It's something she used to be scared to admit, but feels more comfortable talking about these days (via Esquire).

"There’s a lot of pressure on women to have children, and there’s a feeling that if you don’t, you don’t have purpose here. But this movie, it feels like I gave birth," she said.

October 29, 2024 — Zoë Kravitz And Channing Tatum Have Broken Up

Multiple sources told People that Channing Tatum and Zoë Kravitz have split after three years together, and called off their wedding. "The split is amicable," one source says. "They realized they're at different stages in life." TMZ also confirmed the breakup.

“Wedding plans were looming, but neither of them were rushing to the altar,” a source told Us Weekly, adding that their relaxed mindset ended up putting "a lot of pressure" on them. “Ultimately once [Blink Twice] ended, they realized they were on different pages with what they wanted. It fizzled fast after their press tour wrapped.”

A Page Six source reaffirms that the relationship ended on good terms, and even says the couple has “been in touch” and has “no bad blood” between them. “There was no dramatic falling out between Channing and Zoë. They really just grew apart and decided it was best for them to go their separate ways,” they say. They "both handled the breakup very maturely [but] came to a mutual realization that they were better off friends than romantic partners.”

Despite the breakup, another Page Six source says that Zoë Kravitz had a blast at a Halloween party. “She was in a good mood and seemed really happy,” they say, remembering that she was “dancing all night and having cocktails...having a great time” and “was so cute and nice.”

A source later told People that Channing Tatum is "doing well" following their breakup, adding that "he's focused on a new movie project in [North Carolina.] And he's spending time with his daughter when he's off."

​What are Channing Tatum & Zoë Kravitz ages?

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Channing Tatum was born on April 26, 1980, making him 43 years old. Zoë Kravitz (who's 35 years old) was born on December 1, 1988, so there's an 8-year age gap between the two.

Looking for more celeb news? Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter and if you love Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum's relationship, check out the latest news on Tom Holland And Zendaya and Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce!

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This post has been updated.

There’s two different kinds of people in this world. The ones who deck their Christmas tree out in coquette-core bows and enough tinsel to make the best Pinterest board jealous and then there’s the chaos monsters. You know...the ones who pick out their ornaments solely for the bit and still use their kindergarten craft Christmas topper. If you’re still scrambling for the perfect white elephant gift, or you just can’t help yourself when it comes to adding to your unhinged collection of bobbles, then no fear — the ultimate guide to funny Christmas ornaments is here.

Etsy

Fry From Futurama Christmas Ornament

How many times have you seen a TikTok viral video about a new beauty product that made you shout, "Shut up and take my money?" We won't tell anyone, but we will suggest you gift yourself this funny Futurama ornament.

Walmart

Sriracha Holiday Ornament

If all you like to do is put Sriracha on your cheese eggs, you'll love this funny Christmas ornament.

Walmart

JOYIN Taco & Burrito Christmas Ornaments

"Put some hot sauce on my burrito, baby" is a line you'll love saying every time you look at these Christmas ornaments.

Ornament Shop

Extra Guac Christmans Ornament

This cute guac sign deserves a spot next to your taco and burrito ornaments because who doesn't love extra toppings?

Fun

Bob Ross Molded Christmas Ornament

Ladies, Bob Ross has entered the chat and demands a space on your Christmas tree.

Altar'd State

Diet Coke Christmas Ornament

Pop, fizz, clink! Quench your tree's thirst with this bubbly Diet Coke ornament.

World Market

Green Glass Traditional Pickle Ornaments Set of 2

Deck the halls with dill-ight! This pickle ornament adds a quirky crunch to your Christmas tree ensemble.

Altar'd State

Kait Cup Christmas Ornament

This Stanley cup inspired ornament should be mandatory for everyone on #watertok.

World Market

Glass Charcuterie Board Ornament

Elevate your tree's taste with a miniature charcuterie board ornament. It's the perfect centerpiece for a festive feast!

Altar'd State

Spicy Taco Combo Ornament

Spice up your tree with a taste of Tex-Mex joy! This Taco Bell meal ornament is a fiesta waiting to happen.

Joann

2" Christmas Acai Bowl Glass Ornament by Place & Time

This acai bowl ornament is a healthy and vibrant addition to your tree. It's the ultimate superfood for holiday cheer.

World Market

Glass United States Of America Passport Ornament

Jet-setting through the holidays? This passport ornament is your ticket to a tree that's well-traveled and full of adventure.

Joann

Christmas Crocs Ornament

Are you a part of the Crocs crew and have no shame admitting it? Proudly show your love for the most comfortable footwear on your tree.

Altar'd State

Take Out Box Christmas Ornament

Bring the joy of takeout straight to your tree with this adorable takeout box ornament. No need to cook when your tree is this tasty!

Harley Lilac

Cody Foster & Co - Anchovies Can Ornament

2023 was a big year for tin fish. Show off your love for anchovies with this super chic girlypop ornament.

Williams Sonoma

Champagne & Caviar Party Ornament Collection

Elevate your tree's taste with a touch of luxury! This caviar ornament is the epitome of opulence for your holiday decor.

Urban Outfitters

Cup Of 'Swifter' Tea Ornament

Shake it off and deck the halls with Swiftie pride! This Taylor Swift ornament is perfect for fans who want to relive every era.

Anthropologie

Croissant Glass Ornament

Become our little croissant with this cute glass ornament!

Anthropologie

Pink Tennis Bag Glass Ornament

Get physical with this pink tennis bag ornament!

Walmart

Skittles Christmas Ornament

Taste the rainbow with this nostalgic ornament!

Urban General Store

Pop Star Fan Glass Ornament

Did you really think we'd only put one Swiftie ornament on this list? You should know us better than that!

Urban General Store

Sorry I'm Booked Book Ornament

For the bookworm in your life, this "Sorry I'm Booked" ornament is the perfect way to declare your tree a nook of literary escape.

Etsy

Homer Simpson Christmas Ornament

Who can forget the many hilarious memes that include Homer Simpson disappearing into shrubbery? If you can't get enough of them, this Christmas ornament was made with you in mind.

H&M

Red Wine Christmas Ornament

Of course you love drinking red wine so why not place this cute & funny ornament on your glamorized Christmas tree?

Wayfair

Coffee To Go Ornament

We're ignoring the fact you keep walking by your espresso machine to head to Starbucks because we get it. Nothing compares to getting your coffee to go so you can feel like the accomplished queen you are.

Walmart

2024 Dumpster Fire Ornament

But is everything fine or are we lying to ourselves?

Looking for more holiday inspo? Sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

I can totally understand falling for a costar. One scene gazing into each other's eyes, and (as the kids say), I'd be asking, "What are we?" Zendaya & Tom Holland and Ashley Park & Paul Forman both met on the sets of their most famous projects (Spider-Man and Emily in Paris, in case you were wondering), and this year's biggest movie event also features a brand new celebrity couple: Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater.

The co-stars made headlines when they ended their respective marriages and started dating each other, and Ethan Slater finally spoke out on the response to their relationship. Here's what he had to say, and the latest news on this couple.

Keep reading for the latest news on Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship.

  • Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater met on the set of Wicked, in theaters November 22.
  • The couple made headlines when they started dating the same month they separated from their respective spouses.
  • In a recent interview, Ethan Slater reveals the reaction to their relationship was "really hard."

Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's Full Relationship Timeline

Jerod Harris/Getty Images for CinemaCon

Late 2022 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Meet While Filming Wicked

After Ariana and Ethan were both cast in Jon M. Chu's Wicked, the movie began filming in early December. Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, while Ethan Slater got the role of Boq, one of Glinda's Shiz University classmates.

March 27, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Were "All Over Each Other"

Ariana and Ethan reportedly could get enough of each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscars party. A source told The Daily Mail later that summer that "They were seen making out at a pub in Hampstead, and they were all over each other at Michelle Yeoh's Oscar party."

Aliah Anderson/Getty Images

July 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Split From Their Partners And Start Dating

News of Ariana's split from her then-husband Dalton Gomez broke on July 17, while TMZ also reported Ethan filed for divorce from his wife at the time, Lilly Jay, on July 26. (Ariana and Dalton ended up filing for divorce in September).

After People reported Ariana and Ethan were now in a relationship of their own, Lilly told Page Six that “[Ariana’s] the story, really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage.” However, other sources claim Lilly and Ethan had been separated for a couple months before his relationship with Ariana started.

August 2, 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Are Moving Fast

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater reportedly fell head over heels so quickly, their friends were telling them to pump the breaks. “Ariana’s been told it’s too soon to go public with him and to take things slower,” said an Us Weekly insider at the time. “She’s very aware of how she’s perceived by her fans, and she’s trying to be mature. [But] if it were up to her, she’d be seen with him tomorrow.”

Elsa/Getty Images

September 4, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Are Learning How To Balance Their Relationship

Sources told People at the beginning of September that the costars and couple are trying to figure out how to balance their relationship with their celebrity.

“While this entire situation has been blown out of proportion, it’s much different than what has been portrayed in public,” a friend of the couple says. “They are just trying to navigate their new relationship in private."

Another reemphasizes that Ariana and Ethan only started dating after they were separated from their spouses, while a third adds, “They are doing their best to balance the fact that they are in the public eye with the desire to be respectful to all parties involved.”

September 2023 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Go To Disney World

Surrounded by their friends and family, the Wicked movie stars headed for a day at the happiest place on earth. "They went with a big group of friends as well her mom and brother," a source told People. The source also said they're "really happy and really good for each other. All of her friends love him."

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 31, 2023 — Ariana Grande Supports Ethan Slater's Spamalot

Ariana Grande showed up to support her boyfriend for Spamalot's opening night at Broadway's St. James Theater.

December 23, 2023 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Grab Dinner In New York City

To celebrate the holidays, Ariana and Ethan headed out to a nice Italian dinner, reportedly with Ari's dad Ed Butera. "They love to support each other in their work," a source told People. "When she’s done with work, Ariana loves going to the theater when she can."

Considering she's a musical girlie, and has been on Broadway herself, I totally believe Ariana heads to the theatre whenever she gets a chance!

December 28, 2023 — Ariana Grande Says She Feels "Deeply Misunderstood"

“I’ve never felt more at the mercy of and in acceptance of what life was screaming to teach me,” Ariana Grande said in an Instagram story. “I have never felt more pride or joy or love while simultaneously feeling so deeply misunderstood by people who don’t know me, who piece whispers together and make what they want out of me and their assumptions of my life.”

A source also told People that the popstar is “serious with Ethan. She loves being with him."

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

January 12, 2024 — Ariana Grande Releases "Yes, And?"

In a line heard 'round the world, Ariana Grande's "Yes, And?" (the lead single from her Eternal Sunshine album) begs the question, "Why do you care so much whose d—k I ride?" The song doesn't mention Ethan by name, but there's a lot of room to infer.Although, when the album releases in March, Ariana also talks about a new "interaction" on “Intro (End of the World)," and wonders "if he’s judgin’ me like I am right now."

September 30, 2024 — Ariana Grande Defends Ethan Slater

In a Vanity Fair cover story, Ariana opened up about the reaction to her relationship with Ethan Slater, revealing that “the most disappointing part was to see so many people believe the worst version of [the story]."

“There couldn’t be a less accurate depiction of a human being than the one that the tabloids spread about him,” she says. “No one on this earth tries harder or spreads themselves thinner to be there for the people that he loves and cares about. There is no one on this earth with a better heart...I’m 31 years old and I’m not a perfect person, but I am definitely deeply good, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming. I will never let disreputable evil tabloids ruin my life or my perception of what is real and good.”

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Lucille Lortel Theatre

October 30, 2024 — Ethan Slater Finally Speaks Out About His Relationship With Ariana Grande

Almost two years after meeting Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater finally opened up about their relationship in a new interview with GQ. “Obviously, it was a really super big year and I think there was something that was really difficult about things in your private life being commented on and looked at by the public," he says. "There were a lot of big changes in private lives that were really happening, so it’s really hard to see people who don’t know anything about what’s happening commenting on it and speculating, and then getting things wrong about the people you love. So just to address that part of it, that feels really hard."

But the clouds also came with silver linings. “Of course, it was an amazing year and a really beautiful thing, and I’m just really excited," he continues. "I’m just really, really proud of Ari and the work she’s done on this. She’s poured herself into it. I’m really proud that I got to be there for that part of it, and I’m really excited to be there for this next step of it when the world gets to see the amazing thing that she did.”

Instagram/arianagrande

November 3, 2024 — Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater Go Instagram Official

These two took their relationship to the next level in the modern dating age — they put it on the grid. Well, not exactly. In Instagram posts celebrating the Australian premiere of Wicked, Ariana and Ethan both shared a picture of themselves. Is it blurry? Sure. Are their faces in it? No. But does this still count as an Instagram hard launch? Absolutely.

November 5, 2024 — Ethan Slater & Ariana Grande Pack On the PDA During Wicked

And after taking photos for the new Wicked movie in Sydney, Australia, Ethan and Ariana were more than happy, walking with their arms around each other and big smiles on their faces! And during the LA premiere of the film, Ariana was seen fixing Ethan Slater's bow tie.

“He’s always that adorable and he’s so amazing in this film. He’s such an amazing person,” she said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I’m so happy people are getting to know him. My heart is very happy.”

November 11, 2024 — Ethan Slater Praises Ariana Grande's Comedy Acting Chops

In an exclusive interview with Brit + Co, Ethan Slater couldn't stop hyping up Ari's humor. And if you saw her hosting SNL, then you definitely understand. "I cannot wait for like the roll out of everything that Bowen said that isn't in the movie, or Ari, honestly, said that isn't in the movie. Just take after take," he says. "The moments where somebody broke, it was always great. There's one that's seared into my memory of, in Doctor Dillamond's classroom, I don't remember what Ari said but she got Cynthia [Erivo] and it's just the two of them across the way and they're staring at each other and she got her so good. There's something really wonderful about breaking. It's delightful."

He also praised Ariana and Cynthia for how they welcomed the rest of the cast their first days on set. "[They] would hug everyone who came in," he continues. "This huge movie is something that we've been waiting for for 20 years on a big scale with the biggest stars in the world, it could have felt really intimidating and it felt really familial immediately."

Check back here for the latest news on this Ariana Grande & Ethan Slater's relationship! Read up on Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce while you're at it ;).

This post has been updated.

It's official: John Krasinski is now PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024. If you ask us, John Krasinski will always be Jim from The Office, but I think this new distinction will do just fine, too. Last year Patrick Dempsey won the top spot, giving us silver fox sex appeal, and we love that PEOPLE went in a different direction with our favorite actor-director this time. Here's everything to know about this fine gentleman — including what his wife, Emily Blunt, has to say about it all.

Scroll to learn about PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024!

John Krasinski shares his thoughts on being PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive

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No one knows how to do dead-pan humor like John Krasinski (unless your name is Ryan Reynolds, of course 😉). His response to winning was, "Just immediate blackout, actually. Zero thoughts," (via PEOPLE). He followed up with, "That's not how I wake up, thinking, ‘Is this the day that I'll be asked to be Sexiest Man Alive?’ And yet it was the day you guys did it. You guys have really raised the bar for me."

Of course Emily Blunt couldn't resist making a little joke...

We know Emily Blunt has a great sense of humor too, so it comes as no surprise that she had a little something to say to John about his new title. Besides being "very excited" about his win, she apparently told him she'd willingly plaster his face all over their home, wallpaper-style (via PEOPLE). The Jack Ryan actor said, "My children will love that, it won’t be weird at all."

TODAY also reports the actor revealed Emily may pile on the housework given all this newfound attention. "I think it's going to make me do more household chores. After this comes out, she'll be like, ‘All right, that means you’re going to really earn it here at home.'" We don't see a problem with that!

Here's everything Sexiest Man Alive, John Krasinski is working on right now:

Jonny Cournoyer/Prime Video

He recently wrote, directed, and starred in this year's IF — a film Ryan Reynolds also appears in — which follows a young girl's introduction to a vast world of imaginary friends. It almost feels like the heartwarming TV show Foster's Home of Imaginary Friends, albeit the young girl is dealing with possibly losing her only living parent.

Next up, fans will get to see John star in Fountain of Youth alongside Natalie Portman, according to Deadline. They'll star as a brother and sister who are determined to claim the actual Fountain of Youth for themselves.

Deadline also reports that he'll take the lead role in the upcoming Jack Ryan film. A premiere date hasn't been announced yet, but we do know Amazon MGM Studios is behind it!

Watch John Krasinski's full reaction to being PEOPLE'S Sexiest Man Alive

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Additional reporting by Theresa Gonzalez