Lilly Jay Opens Up About Her Public Divorce and Its Impact on Her Life as a Therapist

Lilly Jay, a clinical psychologist and the former wife of Broadway star Ethan Slater, recently penned an emotional essay for The Cut, reflecting on the public dissolution of her marriage. Without casting blame on Slater or his new partner, Ariana Grande, Jay instead focused on the challenges of navigating a very personal event in the public eye, especially as a mental health professional.

In her essay, Jay candidly expressed how her sudden rise to public attention has disrupted her professional and personal life. As a therapist, she explained, maintaining a sense of anonymity is vital to supporting her patients effectively. Drawing a parallel to a previous experience, Jay recalled working with women whose children faced severe health complications while she was visibly pregnant. Despite the obvious circumstances, her patients never brought up her pregnancy, allowing therapy sessions to remain focused on their needs.

She likened that experience to her current reality, where her divorce has been widely publicized. While her patients avoid discussing her personal life, the constant media coverage of Slater’s new relationship with Grande serves as a painful reminder of her own loss. Slater and Grande reportedly became close while filming Wicked, a relationship that led to both parties ending their respective marriages.

Notably, Jay avoided naming or criticizing Grande and refrained from speaking ill of Slater. Instead, she expressed appreciation for Slater’s commitment to co-parenting their son, acknowledging that while their romantic relationship is over, they remain united as parents.

Motherhood has offered Jay both solace and time for reflection. She noted that while parenting fills her days with activity, it often leaves her mind free to process her grief. Tasks like rocking her son to sleep or strolling through the park have become moments of introspection about her past and the future she hopes to build.

Earlier this year, Jay publicly addressed the media frenzy surrounding the split, stating, "I'm focused on my son and doing my best to navigate a spotlight I have never wanted or experienced before." In her essay, she reiterated this sentiment, sharing her determination to move forward, writing, "I no longer have a future with my high school sweetheart, but a lifetime of sweetness is waiting for me and my child."

Despite the heartbreak, Jay’s resilience and focus on her son highlight her commitment to healing and building a new chapter for her family.