Austin Butler Clarifies Viral Comment About Vanessa Hudgens As A “Friend”

Austin Butler has recently come under the spotlight for referring to his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Hudgens, as a "friend" during an interview. This comment sparked discussions and debates among fans and followers, raising questions about the nature of their past relationship. Butler's remarks came in the context of his role as Elvis Presley in the film Elvis, where he shared how Hudgens had encouraged him to pursue the role long before he was actually cast.

In a candid interview with Esquire, published on February 6, Butler addressed the backlash he faced for his choice of words. He explained that he did not intend to diminish his past with Hudgens; instead, he wanted to respect her privacy. The actor emphasized that he still holds a great deal of affection for her, despite their breakup in 2020.

Butler’s comments have sparked a renewed interest in his relationship with Hudgens and have led many fans to reflect on their nearly ten-year romance. During the interview, he took the opportunity to clarify his feelings and the importance of privacy, not just for himself but for Hudgens as well. He expressed, “I value my own privacy so much, I didn’t want to give up anybody else’s privacy.”

Biography of Austin Butler

Full Name	Austin Butler
Date of Birth	August 17, 1991
Place of Birth	Anaheim, California, USA
Profession	Actor, Model
Notable Works	Elvis, The Carrie Diaries, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Table of Contents

• Biography of Austin Butler
• Clarification on the "Friend" Comment
• Relationship with Vanessa Hudgens
• Current Status of Both Celebrities

Clarification on the "Friend" Comment

During his interview, Butler shared that he had learned a valuable lesson regarding public perceptions and the way he communicates about his past relationships. He mentioned, “Oh, yeah, I learned a lesson with that one.” Butler's initial comment about Hudgens was not meant to erase their relationship but rather to maintain a respectful distance regarding her privacy. He recognized that it’s essential to navigate public discussions about personal matters delicately.

He further explained that he felt he was protecting Hudgens by not calling attention to their past, stating, “I felt that I was respecting her privacy in a way and not wanting to bring up a ton of things that would cause her to have to talk.” This insight illustrates the complexity of navigating relationships in the public eye, where every word can be scrutinized.

Relationship with Vanessa Hudgens

Austin Butler and Vanessa Hudgens began their relationship in 2011 and were together for nearly a decade, marking a significant chapter in both of their lives. During their time together, they shared many moments and supported each other in their careers. Hudgens was notably supportive of Butler's aspirations, even suggesting he audition for the role of Elvis before he was cast. This act of encouragement has been a focal point in recent discussions about their relationship.

The couple faced various challenges, including the pressures of fame and the demands of their respective careers. Ultimately, they decided to part ways in 2020, but both have expressed fondness for their time together. As Butler noted in his interviews, he continues to appreciate the role Hudgens played in his life and career.

Current Status of Both Celebrities

Since their breakup, both Austin Butler and Vanessa Hudgens have moved on to new relationships. Hudgens married baseball player Cole Tucker in December 2023 in a ceremony in Mexico, marking a new beginning in her life. Meanwhile, Butler has been in a relationship with model Kaia Gerber since early 2022.

Despite their separation, fans remain interested in the dynamics of their past relationship. Recent interactions, such as a brief encounter at an event, have sparked conversations, with fans analyzing their body language and reactions. In March 2023, footage showed Hudgens seemingly avoiding Butler at an Oscar party, leading to mixed reactions from their supporters.

As both stars continue to thrive in their respective careers, their past relationship remains a topic of interest, showcasing how public figures navigate personal history while maintaining their current paths.