Austin Butler has publicly addressed speculation about his relationship with Emily Ratajkowski, confirming in a Vanity Fair interview that they are merely friends after being photographed on a dinner date in September. The actor emphasized his current single status and reflected on the intense public interest in his personal life.
In the interview published on November 18, 2025, Butler directly addressed the swirling rumors, 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 insisted that he is not in a relationship with Ratajkowski and is currently single, marking his first public comments on the matter since the speculation began. This clarification came as part of the magazine’s Men’s Issue, where Butler discussed his career and personal growth.
The rumors ignited in early September when Butler and Ratajkowski were photographed looking cozy during a dinner at the Waverly Inn in New York City’s West Village. An eyewitness described the scene to Page Six, noting that Butler had his arm around Ratajkowski and kept nodding at what she said, suggesting an intimate atmosphere. Other reports indicated the pair were in a prominent booth, made no attempts to hide, and chatted for about two hours, with some sources describing them as ‘giggly and cute’ but without significant public displays of affection.
Butler opened up about the toll that such public scrutiny has taken on him, admitting that there was a time when he ‘just wanted to hide’ from the attention. However, he has since shifted his perspective, questioning rhetorically whether he should live a ‘constricted, small life’ because of fear over others’ opinions. This reflects a broader evolution in his approach to fame, as he now prioritizes authenticity over avoidance.
This isn’t the first time Butler’s love life has drawn media focus; he was previously linked to co-stars like Zoë Kravitz from his film ‘Caught Stealing,’ though those rumors were similarly debunked. His last public relationship was with model Kaia Gerber, ending in January after three years, and he has dated other celebrities such as Vanessa Hudgens. These past connections highlight the persistent interest in his personal affairs, which Butler acknowledges but seeks to manage with greater maturity.
Ratajkowski, on the other hand, has her own history of high-profile relationships, including her marriage to film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, with whom she shares a four-year-old son. She was most recently linked to musician Shaboozey in August 2024, and like Butler, she frequently navigates public speculation about her romances. The dinner with Butler added to this narrative, but both individuals have now clarified the nature of their connection.
The Vanity Fair interview delves into Butler’s thoughts on artistry and personal growth, where he expressed that he used to believe being a great artist required sacrificing other life aspects. Now, he seeks balance, wondering how his human experiences can connect him to others and make him a better friend or future partner. This introspective shift aligns with his current projects and public appearances, suggesting a more open yet guarded stance toward fame.
Looking ahead, Butler’s candid remarks may influence how he handles future public interest, as he continues to promote his work and engage with fans. For the media and followers, this statement puts to rest the specific rumors with Ratajkowski, though the allure of celebrity gossip ensures that his love life will likely remain a topic of discussion. Ultimately, the episode underscores the challenges stars face in balancing privacy with public curiosity in the digital age.
