Ariana Grande ‘protecting herself’ amid ongoing split rumors – Celebrity News – Entertainment

Ariana Grande seemed “awkward” while attending a film screening amid ongoing rumors she’s split from Ethan Slater, according to a body language expert.

The 32-year-old actress was pictured at a screening of Wicked: For Good in New York City on Monday. Ethan wasn’t with Ariana, with the pair not having been pictured together in months.

Ariana looked incredible as she wore a low-cut, pale pink top with a hot pink skirt. The singer pulled her hair back into an elegant look and completed her outfit with a pair of black Christian Louboutin heels.

Ariana opted for a minimal makeup look, wearing light plink blush and matching lipgloss.

While she smiled for the cameras, body language expert Judi James suggested the actress seemed to be trying to protect herself during the outing.

Speaking exclusively to The Express US, the expert said, “When a relationship is over the emotions usually remain very mixed. With the current rumors about Ariana’s relationship with Ethan there are signals here of a vulnerability combined with an urge to self-protect, but also a desire to show love and gratitude direct to her fans.”

Judi explained, “Ariana’s hand placements here look awkward and self-protective.

“Her hand on her waist does create a partial splay with her elbow which should suggest confidence, but the hand itself is landing at an unsure angle. Her right hand seems to be placed either flat on her stomach or the front of her waist which looks like something of a barrier gesture.”

Judi continued, “Her part-smile seems to show the tip of her tongue behind her teeth and at one point she lowers her chin and raises her eyes to look at the fans with a smile that produces a dimple, suggesting warm connections.

“There is one point where both her hands are raised as though she is attempting to conduct in the air, which could be a gentle desire to control, but the very dramatic, ‘Evita style’ kiss-blowing gesture at her fans seems to signal she is grateful for their ongoing support and love.”

Ariana’s film screening outing came amid ongoing rumors she has split from her boyfriend Ethan Slater.

The couple are believed to have been invited to attend the Ragtime opening at Lincoln Center in New York, but a source claimed they pulled out at the last minute.

The source told Rob Shuter, “They were confirmed. Their names were printed on the guest list. Seats were held. Then, hours before curtain, word came – they weren’t coming. No explanation. Just silence.”

A friend of the couple also suggested their relationship has become “rocky” as Ariana is “operating in a different world” to Ethan with her jet set lifestyle.

Despite the split rumors, both Ariana and Ethan have continued supporting each other by liking social media posts and making comments during interviews.