Los Angeles, CA — Actor Austin Butler has addressed the persistent dating rumors involving model Emily Ratajkowski, confirming that their relationship is strictly platonic. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Butler discussed the viral photos of the pair dining together in New York City last September, stating, “The true answer is that I have a lot of friends and we’re friends and we had dinner.”
The images, which depicted the two enjoying drinks at The Waverly Inn, sparked speculation about a romantic connection. Butler reiterated that he values his friendships and is not influenced by public perceptions. “I just wanted to hide,” he stated, expressing his reluctance to let external opinions dictate his personal life. “Am I going to live a constricted, small life because I’m afraid of what other people are going to say or what they’re going to think?”
Butler’s Career and Personal Growth
Butler, 34, has had a busy year, recently promoting his film Caught Stealing and appearing alongside costar Zoë Kravitz in Paris. He has also completed work on the upcoming film The Eddington. Despite the demands of his career, Butler emphasized a shift in focus towards personal growth and meaningful relationships. “You get one life,” he remarked. “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?”
His romantic history has often attracted media attention. Butler dated model Kaia Gerber for three years before their breakup in late 2024, which sources indicated was a natural conclusion to their relationship. Prior to this, he was in an eight-year relationship with actress Vanessa Hudgens, which ended in 2020.
Ratajkowski’s Recent Past and Future Focus
Ratajkowski, who divorced film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2022, has been linked to various figures but has recently opted to keep her personal life more private. In light of the speculation surrounding her connection with Butler, she has not publicly commented on the matter.
Butler conveyed that he is currently prioritizing his career and familial relationships over romantic entanglements. He has embraced the role of “fun uncle” to actress Ashley Tisdale’s daughter, Jupiter, expressing pride in being part of her life.
While the prospect of a new Hollywood couple excited fans online, Butler’s remarks have left little room for ambiguity: he and Ratajkowski are simply friends. As the conversation around fame and privacy continues, Butler’s focus remains on authentic connections and personal development rather than the whims of public speculation.
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