Ariana Grande is once again in the spotlight as rumors swirl about the possible end of her relationship with Ethan Slater. Interestingly, another former flame, Big Sean, appears to be single again after reportedly parting ways with Jhene Aiko. For those who may have forgotten, Grande and Big Sean had a brief but highly publicized romance over a decade ago. Their relationship was the talk of the town, largely due to its controversial beginnings. Do you recall when the late actress Naya Rivera accused Ariana Grande of meddling in her relationship with Big Sean? Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

Naya Rivera called Ariana Grande out in her memoir

Ariana Grande has often been linked to men who are already in relationships, a pattern that seems to have repeated itself with Ethan Slater. While the accusations continue to mount, back in the day, there was still some room for doubt. Even then, many people were quick to criticize the “Thank U, Next” singer. Naya Rivera, who tragically drowned in 2020, was among those who publicly called out Grande.

Although Rivera’s words didn’t directly label Grande as a homewrecker, the insinuation was clear. While it’s not suggested as the sole reason for their breakup, nor was there any confirmed infidelity, Rivera’s narrative strongly hints that she suspected an affair between Big Sean and Grande before her relationship with the rapper ended in April 2014.

Despite the implication, Rivera later clarified that she never meant to accuse Big Sean of cheating with Ariana Grande. Her goal, she explained, was to share her personal feelings of insecurity within the relationship, not to reignite old controversies. Big Sean denied any infidelity at the time of their breakup, and Grande chose to remain silent. Nevertheless, observers couldn’t help but notice how seamlessly Grande and Big Sean transitioned into their own relationship afterward.

Naya Rivera did make a clarifying statement

Naya Rivera did circle back and insist she wasn’t confirming that Big Sean cheated on her with Ariana Grande. She insisted that when she discussed the situation in her memoir, she only intended to show readers how insecure she felt in the romance, and that she did not intend to call out Grande, yet again, for what turned out to be water under the bridge. Big Sean denied the cheating allegations at the time of his split from Rivera, and Grande opted to stay quiet. Still, you can’t really help but notice how effortlessly the two seemed to roll into a relationship.

The timeframe around his relationship with Rivera ending and his public relationship with Ariana Grande is pretty tight. Big Sean and Rivera called off their engagement in April 2014, around the time Rivera allegedly walked into Big Sean’s house to find Ariana Grande hanging out. Big Sean and Ariana Grande were first spotted holding hands in August 2014, but only acknowledged the romance in October 2014. Fans have long speculated that the duo had been together for a few months by the time they were spotted holding hands, meaning they made things official right around the time Rivera and Big Sean’s engagement ended.

Big Sean’s relationship timelines

Big Sean’s relationships with both Naya Rivera and Ariana Grande happened years ago. He began dating Rivera in April 2013. The couple, who were in their mid-20s at the time, announced their engagement just months later. They called off the engagement in April 2014.

In August 2014, Big Sean and Ariana Grande were spotted together at the Video Music Awards. She confirmed her connection to him during an October 2014 interview with The Telegraph, calling him “one of the most amazing men in the whole world.” It didn’t last long; by April 2015, Grande and Big Sean were over.

The following year, Big Sean met Jhené Aiko while collaborating on music. The pair began quietly dating, and while they’ve had off-and-on spells, they always seem to find their way back to each other. Media Takeout, however, has learned that it is the end of the road for Big Sean and Aiko. An insider told the publication that Aiko grew tired of waiting for Big Sean to propose and ended the relationship. The couple has dated, on and off, for nine years without getting engaged. They share one child.