Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski spark dating speculation with cozy outing in NYC

Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski have sparked fresh dating rumors after being photographed enjoying an intimate dinner date in New York City, leading to widespread speculation about a potential romance between the two stars. The sighting occurred on Friday evening, September 6, 2025, at the Waverly Inn, a popular restaurant in Manhattan’s West Village known for its celebrity clientele. Butler and Ratajkowski were seen seated together in a booth, engaged in conversation while sharing drinks and presumably food. According to eyewitness accounts, they appeared relaxed and cheerful, with Ratajkowski opting for a martini and Butler choosing an old fashioned, classic choices that added to the casual yet sophisticated ambiance of their meeting. Sources close to the situation, including an insider from the celebrity gossip blog Deux Moi, described the pair as “very giggly and cute” during their time together. Although there was no overt public display of affection, their body language suggested a close connection. Ratajkowski was observed leaning into Butler on several occasions, and at one point, Butler placed his arm around her shoulder, indicating a level of comfort and intimacy between them. The entire encounter lasted approximately two hours, during which they seemed deeply engrossed in their conversation. This is not the first instance where Butler and Ratajkowski have been linked romantically. Several weeks ago, they were spotted together at an afterparty for the NYC premiere of Butler’s film “Caught Stealing.” A photograph from that event showed them in close proximity, though both avoided direct eye contact with the camera, which had already fueled rumors at the time. The recurrence of such sightings strengthens the speculation about a possible relationship. Butler’s recent romantic life has been subject to media scrutiny. Last month, he was rumored to be involved with his “Caught Stealing” co-star Zoë Kravitz after they were seen having a flirty exchange at a bar in Paris. However, sources later clarified that their relationship is purely platonic, focused on promoting their film, and Kravitz has since been photographed with Harry Styles, suggesting no serious involvement with Butler. On the other hand, Butler ended a three-year relationship with model Kaia Gerber in January 2025, a split that was amicable but marked the end of a high-profile pairing. Ratajkowski, for her part, finalized her divorce from Sebastian Bear-McClard in September 2022 after four years of marriage and shares a young son with him. Her most recent public romance was with country music artist Shaboozey, though details were scarce. Representatives for both Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski have not responded to requests for comment regarding the dating rumors, leaving the nature of their relationship open to interpretation. The consistent and intimate sightings suggest a budding romance, but without official confirmation, it remains speculative. The public and media are keenly watching for any further developments or statements from the stars involved. Events like this highlight the intense interest in celebrity relationships, especially when involving well-known figures like Butler, who gained fame for his role in “Elvis,” and Ratajkowski, a successful model and actress. Such speculation often drives tabloid coverage and social media discussions, reflecting the public’s fascination with the personal lives of celebrities. Future public appearances or interviews may provide more clarity on whether this is a casual friendship or the beginning of a romantic partnership.