Ariana Grande Storms Off The Late Late Show After Explosive Clash with James Corden Over Public Image and Affair Allegations

Los Angeles, July 23, 2025 – Pop superstar Ariana Grande, celebrated for chart-topping hits like Thank U, Next, 7 Rings, and her acclaimed role in Wicked, left audiences stunned when she abruptly walked off the set of The Late Late Show with James Corden during a fiery interview. The confrontation ignited when host James Corden probed the authenticity of Grande’s polished persona and slyly referenced the 2023 scandal involving her relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, which sparked accusations of “homewrecking” amid his marriage to Lilly Jay, turning a promotional appearance for her new album into a dramatic showdown that has set social media ablaze.

From Glittering Charm to Searing Jabs

The interview began with Grande’s signature charisma, as she discussed her upcoming album Celestial Notes and her transformative experience filming Wicked in London. Corden, known for his jovial yet occasionally incisive humor, kept the mood light with praise for Grande’s vocal prowess and her ability to dominate both music and film. However, the atmosphere shifted sharply when Corden posed a provocative question, laced with a subtle nod to the 2023 controversy:

“Ariana, you’re a pop culture queen with this radiant, untouchable vibe, but some say it’s a bit too perfect—like you’re curating a flawless image to sidestep messier narratives. Is the real Ariana Grande as pristine as your ponytail, or is there a more complicated story behind the spotlight?”

Grande, sensing the veiled reference to the Slater affair allegations, maintained her composure and replied:

“James, I pour my heart into my music and my work. My life isn’t perfect, but I try to be real with my fans and focus on what matters—art, growth, and positivity. I’m not here to craft some untouchable image.”

Undeterred, Corden pressed further, his tone sharp yet teasing:

“Sure, but you’ve had some tangled headlines—like that Wicked drama with your co-star, where things got, let’s say, ethically murky. Some say you lean into this glittering persona to dodge the fallout of those personal choices. Are you afraid of being defined by those kinds of scandals?”

Grande’s Rising Indignation

The audience fell silent as Grande’s expression hardened, clearly stung by the reference to the 2023 allegations that she began a relationship with Ethan Slater while he was still married to Lilly Jay, who later confirmed to Page Six that she felt betrayed after considering Grande a friend. The rumors erupted after Slater filed for divorce in July 2023, with Jay’s comments fueling accusations of Grande’s role in their marital breakdown. Grande leaned forward, her voice steady but brimming with indignation:

“That’s a low blow, James. My personal life is just that—personal. I’ve built my career on authenticity—Positions, Wicked, my fans know who I am. Dragging up gossip like that is lazy and sidesteps everything I’ve achieved. You’re not asking questions—you’re chasing headlines.”

Corden, with a mischievous grin, doubled down with a pointed edge:

“I’m just saying what people are thinking. You’re this dazzling star, always in control, but those accusations—someone calling you out for, let’s say, complicating their marriage—hit hard. You stayed silent, moved on with your life, but some wonder if you’re curating this perfect image to keep the drama at bay. Is the real Ariana as unblemished as your vocals?”

The room grew tense as Corden referenced Grande’s silence on the affair allegations and her swift divorce from Dalton Gomez in 2023, finalized just months after their separation. The mention also echoed older claims from 2013, when ex-boyfriend Jai Brooks accused her of cheating with Nathan Sykes. Grande’s hands clenched, and she fired back:

“You’re way out of line. I don’t owe anyone explanations about my personal life. I’ve been honest through my music, my choices, and I don’t need you twisting my story to fit some salacious narrative. This is disrespectful.”

The Breaking Point: Uncontrolled Fury

Corden, undaunted, pushed further, his tone teetering between curiosity and provocation:

“Come on, Ariana, the public’s curious. You’re a global icon, but with these stories—past and present, from Wicked sets to old exes—some say you lean into this polished persona to stay untouchable. Are you scared of a moment where the headlines overshadow your art?”

That was the final straw. Grande shot to her feet, her voice trembling with fury:

“This is outrageous! I came here to talk about my music, not to be grilled over baseless gossip and personal attacks. I’ve poured my soul into my work, and I don’t need you reducing my life to tabloid trash for your ratings. You’re not a host—you’re a hack chasing clicks!”

In a dramatic flourish, Grande ripped off her microphone, tossed it onto the desk, and stormed off the set, shouting, “Find someone else for your pathetic circus, James!” Corden, visibly rattled, recovered with a quip: “Well, folks, looks like we just hit a high note we didn’t expect!” But the tension hung heavy as the show cut to a commercial.

Public Outcry and Grande’s Response

The incident sparked an immediate firestorm online, with hashtags like #StandWithAriana and #CordenWentTooFar trending globally. Fans rallied to Grande’s defense, praising her for standing up for her privacy and slamming Corden for what many called a cruel attack on her character. Many pointed to her artistic triumphs, from Dangerous Woman to her Wicked role as Glinda, arguing that Corden’s focus on the Slater controversy was exploitative and unfair.

Some detractors, however, argued that Grande’s reaction was defensive, citing posts on X that revisited Lilly Jay’s Page Six interview and older cheating allegations from Jai Brooks, suggesting she avoids accountability. The controversy reignited debates about the 2023 affair rumors, with some questioning Grande’s silence while others defended her right to privacy after her divorce from Gomez.

Later that evening, Grande posted a statement on Instagram:

“My art is my truth, and I live for creating and connecting with my fans. I won’t let anyone rewrite my story for drama. Thank you to those who stand by me. Let’s keep spreading love and music.”

Corden addressed the incident in his closing monologue: “We ask tough questions because it’s the job. Ariana’s a phenomenal talent, but sometimes the spotlight gets intense. We wish her the best.”

A Broader Conversation

The clash on The Late Late Show with James Corden has not only shaken Grande’s typically poised public image but also sparked a broader debate about the scrutiny faced by female pop stars, the boundaries of personal privacy, and the ethics of revisiting personal controversies in interviews. Was Corden’s probing, with its sly nod to the 2023 affair allegations, a fair challenge to a global icon, or did it cross into exploitative territory by trivializing a complex personal matter? Grande’s dramatic exit underscores her fierce commitment to her artistry and autonomy, reinforcing her status as a superstar unwilling to let her legacy be overshadowed by sensational gossip.

As the controversy continues to unfold, this moment on The Late Late Show will be remembered as a fiery testament to Ariana Grande’s resilience and defiance, both on and off the stage.