Nina Dobrev Channels Ariana Grande's Anthem to Call Out Ex Shaun White After Engagement Ends: 'I Should Have Spoken Up Earlier' | Hindustan Times
Updated on: Nov 14, 2025 03:27 pm IST
Breakups in the spotlight can be messy, but when a Hollywood star like Nina Dobrev takes to social media to air her grievances, it sparks a wildfire of gossip and debate. Just imagine the drama: a high-profile split, and then a viral video that feels like a mic drop. But here's where it gets controversial – is using pop songs as a public roast the ultimate way to reclaim power, or does it just add fuel to the tabloid flames? Buckle up, because we're diving into the juicy details that have everyone talking.
Nina Dobrev's romance with Shaun White began back in January 2020. Tragically, their engagement came to an end in September of this year.
Nina Dobrev's (https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/nina-dobrev-enjoys-italian-vacation-with-zac-efron-chace-crawford-and-miles-teller-after-split-from-shaun-white-see-pics-101758352782723.html) recent breakup with Shaun White has reignited the buzz in celebrity circles, all thanks to her eye-catching TikTok post. The beloved actress from The Vampire Diaries appeared to nod toward her dissolved engagement with the legendary Olympic snowboarder in a clip that exploded online on November 13, as reported by E! News (https://www.eonline.com/news/1425049/nina-dobrevs-empty-ring-finger-video-after-shaun-white-breakup).
Nina Dobrev's viral Ariana Grande-inspired clip
In this trending TikTok, Nina Dobrev drew parallels to her past with her former partner, Shaun White, by lip-syncing along to Ariana Grande's (https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/pyjama-man-who-attacked-ariana-grande-at-wicked-for-good-premiere-has-done-this-before-with-virat-kohli-johnson-wen-101763100141890.html) chart-topping 2014 track, 'Break Free.' She powerfully highlighted the lines: “If you want it, take it / I should have said it before.”
To drive the point home, she flashed her bare ring finger and mouthed: "Tried to hide it, fake it / I can't pretend anymore." As the video wrapped up, Dobrev locked eyes with the camera and flashed a defiant middle finger.
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Following the conclusion of their five-year-long engagement in September, Nina Dobrev had previously lip-synced to lyrics about women attempting to "repair" a partner, based on what the outlet shared. Back then, Nina had silently sung: "How do you sleep at night knowing people don't like you?" She also mimed: "With no underwear, in case they wanna kiss my a**."
Via these song snippets, Nina Dobrev seemed to seek guidance for ladies striving to "reform" their significant others.
A mere two days after this video captured widespread attention, Nina Dobrev made an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of 'Eternity,' notably absent of the impressive 5-carat diamond engagement ring gifted by White.
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Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's relationship journey
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's love story ignited in January 2020, right after a lively New Year's celebration. Following a charming bicycle excursion in March, the pair officially shared their relationship status on Instagram (https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/amy-schumer-wipes-instagram-clean-says-she-deleted-old-posts-for-no-reason-after-weight-loss-journey-101762938291337.html) come May.
As New Year's Eve approached, an insider told E! News that Dobrev and White "are genuinely so in love." "They openly talk about their future together. They're just super happy, and things are going really well with them," the source elaborated.
The couple eventually parted ways in September of this year.
FAQs
When did Nina Dobrev break up with Shaun White?
People magazine reported that Nina Dobrev ended her relationship with Shaun White in September this year.
Did Shaun White win medals in the Olympics?
Absolutely, Shaun White is an accomplished three-time Olympic gold medalist, showcasing his incredible talent on the slopes.
When did Nina Dobrev and Shaun White confirm their relationship?
Nina Dobrev and Shaun White made their romance public in May 2020.
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And this is the part most people miss – while these viral videos might feel empowering for the poster, they often leave fans wondering about the ex's side of the story. Is this a healthy way to process heartbreak, or just another layer of public humiliation? What do you think: Should celebrities keep their personal dramas offline, or is social media the perfect platform for catharsis? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – do you agree with Nina's approach, or disagree? Let's start a conversation about the ethics of celebrity breakups!