Los Angeles, CA — Actor Austin Butler has addressed ongoing speculation regarding his relationship with model Emily Ratajkowski, confirming that they are simply friends. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Butler discussed the viral photographs of them dining together in New York City last September, stating their connection is strictly platonic. “The true answer is that I have a lot of friends and we’re friends and we had dinner,” the Elvis star, aged 34, explained.
Butler and Ratajkowski were recently seen sharing drinks and engaging in conversation at The Waverly Inn in the West Village, and they were later spotted together at an afterparty for Butler’s latest film, Caught Stealing. Despite the buzz surrounding their outings, Butler emphasized that he will not let public perceptions dictate his personal life. “I just wanted to hide,” he admitted, expressing his desire not to lead a life constrained by others’ opinions.
Butler’s Current Focus and Personal Growth
The actor is navigating a busy year, with his upcoming projects including the film The Eddington. Recently, he was in Paris promoting Caught Stealing, where he was photographed alongside his co-star Zoë Kravitz. While Butler continues to gain visibility in Hollywood, he has expressed a commitment to personal development beyond his acting career.
In the same interview, he shared his thoughts on relationships and personal growth. “You get one life,” Butler said, adding, “So how can I allow that to hopefully make me a better friend and a better partner — and a better husband one day, and a better father one day, God willing?”
Past Relationships and Future Aspirations
Butler’s romantic history has attracted considerable attention. He previously dated model Kaia Gerber for three years, with their relationship ending in late 2024. Sources indicated that the romance “simply ran its course.” Prior to that, he had a high-profile eight-year relationship with actress Vanessa Hudgens, which concluded in 2020.
Ratajkowski, who divorced film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2022, has recently chosen to keep her personal life more private, despite links to various public figures since her divorce.
Looking ahead, Butler indicated that he is prioritizing his craft and family over romantic speculation. He expressed joy in taking on the role of “fun uncle” to Ashley Tisdale’s daughter, Jupiter, stating, “I feel so honored to be a part of her life.”
While many fans may have hoped for a new Hollywood couple, Butler’s clear assertion leaves no ambiguity — he and Ratajkowski are indeed just friends.
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