Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski have fueled dating rumors after being seen together in New York City earlier this month. On September 5, the two were spotted sharing drinks at the Waverly Inn in the West Village, where Butler was observed putting his arm around Ratajkowski’s shoulders, sparking widespread speculation about their relationship. This information aligns with their previous appearance at an afterparty for Butler’s film Caught Stealing, where they were photographed engaging closely.
While they have been seen socializing on multiple occasions, neither Austin Butler nor Emily Ratajkowski has addressed the rumors, leaving their relationship status unconfirmed as of now. The sightings mark a new chapter in Butler’s dating life, which has attracted significant media attention due to his rising celebrity status and previous high-profile relationships.
Austin Butler’s History of High-Profile Relationships
Before the recent buzz with Emily Ratajkowski, Austin Butler’s romantic involvements have been with several well-known figures in Hollywood. Some of his notable past relationships include actresses Vanessa Hudgens, Olivia Delonge, and Lily-Rose Depp. Among those, his longest public relationship was with model Kaia Gerber, lasting from 2021 until 2024. Butler’s growing prominence, especially after starring as Elvis Presley, continues to place him at the center of entertainment news, often with his personal life in focus.
Butler Shares Thoughts on His Acting Approach During Film Promotion
In August 2025, while promoting his film Caught Stealing, Austin Butler spoke candidly about a common misconception regarding his acting method. He clarified that he does not consider himself a traditional method actor, explaining,
“I never have used the word ‘method.’ I think that word gets thrown around a lot. It’s a very misunderstood thing that isn’t really what I do,”
—Austin Butler
He continued to describe his process as a deep immersion instead of strict adherence to method acting.
“It’s more that I just like to immerse myself.”
—Austin Butler
Reflecting on the intensity of his focus, Butler said,
“Sometimes when I get really scared, I can become incredibly obsessive,”
—Austin Butler
and added,
“And when I really love something, I can become incredibly obsessive, and that can mean that I don’t have a balance outside of that.”
—Austin Butler
He emphasized his efforts to balance his work and personal life by stating,
“And so, less than using that word of [method] it’s more of just trying to figure out how to learn how to balance life and realizing that I want to get to be around the people that I love and live the best life I can.”
—Austin Butler
Emily Ratajkowski’s Career Break Inspired New Creative Directions
Emily Ratajkowski has been open about her decision to take a break from acting, which she described as a significant turning point for her career. In a July 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, Emily reflected on her early experiences in Hollywood, explaining that she initially felt pushed into roles without much control. She said,
“I was one of those typical cases. It was the aughts, [and] it was like, ‘Hot girl gets a group of six male agents who are like, You should be in Entourage.’ So it’s really been a slow process of being like, ‘Okay, well, I can write my own things.’ I can be a creator and find what feels comfortable, and makes me feel in control, and like I’m contributing and fulfilled.”
—Emily Ratajkowski
Ratajkowski also expressed how collaboration plays a key role in her creative work, remarking,
“I’ve always said I want to be a part of things where I can collaborate and work with people I like—and also, I’d never been directed by a woman before. What would be a better scenario than a friend who works [with me] as a collaborator?”
—Emily Ratajkowski
The Significance of This Emerging Relationship in Celebrity Culture
The pairing of Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski captures public interest not only because of their individual fame but also due to their evolving careers and past experiences. Butler’s recent film success and Ratajkowski’s shift toward creative autonomy contribute to their status as influential figures in entertainment and social media. If confirmed, their relationship could add a new chapter to Hollywood’s prominent couples, potentially influencing their career choices and public personas.
As both continue to advance their professional paths, fans and media will likely remain attentive to any further developments. The chemistry seen between them so far suggests that their relationship, whether romantic or platonic, is one to watch in upcoming entertainment news cycles.
