Austin Butler is putting the rumors to rest. After being spotted having dinner with Emily Ratajkowski in New York City this past September, speculation immediately swirled about a possible romance.
But the 34-year-old actor has now clarified the nature of their relationship, telling Vanity Fair, “The true answer is that I have a lot of friends, and we’re friends and we had dinner, and that we’re friends.” He emphasized that he is currently single.
The pair was photographed at the Waverly Inn in the West Village, sharing a booth in the center of the restaurant. Sources told Page Six that Butler had his arm “around her” and “kept nodding at what she said.”
Meanwhile, Deuxmoi described the outing as “very giggly and cute,” though TMZ reported that the duo did not engage in overt public displays of affection during their roughly two-hour chat.
The friendship between Butler and Ratajkowski first sparked rumors back in August, when they were seen together at the afterparty for the New York City premiere of Butler’s film 'Caught Stealing.'
Insider reports say that the pair did not attempt to hide from onlookers during either outing. Butler acknowledged that the intense scrutiny on his personal life has been overwhelming at times. “I just wanted to hide,” he admitted.
He is reflecting on the pressure of public interest in his relationships. But his mindset has evolved. “I’m 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?” he asked rhetorically, hinting at his desire to fully embrace life without letting gossip dictate his choices.
This isn’t the first time Butler has been linked to co-stars or fellow celebrities. He was rumored to be dating 'Caught Stealing' co-star Zoë Kravitz, though TMZ clarified the pair were “just pals.” His most recent public relationship was with model Kaia Gerber.
The former couple ended their three-year romance in January 2024. Butler had previously dated 'High School Musical' alum Vanessa Hudgens for eight years before their split in 2020.
Ratajkowski, for her part, shares a 4-year-old son, Sylvester, with ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard. She was last publicly linked to musician Shaboozey in August 2024.
Beyond the headlines, Butler is taking time to focus on personal growth and his future. In his Vanity Fair interview, he reflected on how his career has shaped his life, acknowledging that he once felt he had to “destroy the rest of my life” to achieve artistic greatness. Now, he’s shifting perspective, letting go of past mistakes and preparing for the next chapter focused on family.
“You get one life, 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?” he said.
Though not yet a father, Butler has embraced the role of “fun uncle” for Disney alum Ashley Tisdale’s 4-year-old daughter, Jupiter. He previously told E! News in June 2024, “I feel so honored to be a part of her life and to get to know her children. I love being the fun uncle. I play with the toys and whatnot, and then I can go home at the end of the day.”