Introduction

Austin Butler’s charm, talent, and heartthrob status have made him a Hollywood favorite, but his love life grabs just as much attention as his roles in Elvis or Dune: Part Two. Fans are always curious about who he’s dating, especially since he keeps things private. From his long-term romance with Vanessa Hudgens to his recent split with Kaia Gerber, Butler’s relationships are a mix of confirmed love stories and fleeting rumors. Why does this matter? Because in entertainment journalism, separating fact from gossip is key, and Butler’s dating history is a perfect case study. For instance, a July 2025 ELLE article detailed his private approach to romance, noting his discretion despite public interest. Let’s dig into the timeline of his relationships, how they’ve been reported, and what journalists get right or wrong when covering stars like him.

Who Has Austin Butler Dated? A Timeline

Butler’s dating history spans over a decade, with only a few high-profile relationships. He’s not the type to flaunt his personal life, which makes verified details hard to come by. Here’s the breakdown, based on credible sources like ELLE and People:

• Vanessa Hudgens (2011–2020): Butler and Hudgens met on the set of High School Musical in 2006 but didn’t start dating until 2011, after her split from Zac Efron. They were spotted kissing at a Lakers game in 2012 and made their red carpet debut at the Journey 2: The Mysterious Island premiere. Their eight-year relationship was long-distance at times due to busy schedules. Hudgens called Butler the “love of my life” in a 2014 Instagram post. They split in 2020, with Butler later telling British GQ in 2022, “Life is full of changes, and you’ve got to find a way to constantly be evolving.” Mistake to avoid: Assuming they split due to drama—distance and career demands were the real culprits.

• Olivia DeJonge (2020): Rumors swirled that Butler dated his Elvis co-star Olivia DeJonge after they were seen cuddling at a movie theater in Australia. ELLE Australia reported in January 2025 that director Baz Luhrmann noted their initial lack of chemistry, which they built through off-set bonding. Neither confirmed the romance, and it fizzled out quickly. Journalists often jump on co-star rumors without solid evidence, which can mislead fans. If you’re reporting, always verify with multiple sources to avoid spreading unconfirmed gossip.

• Lily-Rose Depp (2021): In August 2021, Butler was photographed kissing Lily-Rose Depp in London, per ELLE. This was a brief encounter, not a relationship, as Depp soon moved on to rapper 070 Shake. The media hyped this moment, but lack of follow-up sightings showed it wasn’t serious. Mistake: Overblowing one-off moments as full-blown romances. Always check for patterns before calling it a relationship.

• Kaia Gerber (2021–2024): Butler and Gerber sparked rumors in December 2021 after a yoga class in Los Angeles, confirmed by Us Weekly as “low-key dating.” They went public at the 2022 Met Gala, sharing a kiss on the red carpet. Gerber’s mother, Cindy Crawford, approved, per Page Six in 2022. They dated for three years, splitting in late 2024, with TMZ reporting in January 2025 that the relationship “ran its course.” Common error: Assuming breakups are messy when they’re often amicable. Their privacy kept rumors minimal, but paparazzi photos, like those from Just Jared in 2022, fueled coverage.

Why does this timeline matter? It shows Butler’s preference for long-term, low-key relationships, and it highlights how media can exaggerate brief moments. Entertainment journalists must cross-check sightings with credible sources to avoid inflating rumors.

How Butler Keeps His Love Life Private

Butler’s discretion is a hallmark of his approach to fame. He rarely comments on his relationships, telling GQ in May 2022, “I don’t think there’s anything I want to share about that.” This makes reporting on him tricky. Here’s how he maintains privacy:

• Limited Public Comments: Unlike some stars who overshare on social media, Butler keeps his Instagram focused on work. When asked about Gerber, he deflected, per Variety in 2023. This forces journalists to rely on sightings or insider sources, which can be unreliable.

• Selective Red Carpet Appearances: He and Gerber attended events like the 2022 Met Gala but avoided posing together at film premieres, like The Bikeriders in 2024, per Entertainment Weekly. This keeps the focus on his career.

• Avoiding Paparazzi: Butler has expressed disdain for paparazzi, telling GQ in 2022, “There’s hardly any job I despise more.” He’s rarely caught off-guard, unlike stars who court attention.

Mistake to avoid: Assuming silence means there’s nothing to report. Journalists should dig for verified sightings or statements rather than speculating. If you don’t, you risk publishing unverified claims that damage credibility. For example, Who’s Dated Who listed unconfirmed rumors about Butler and Zoë Kravitz in 2025, which TMZ later debunked.

Recent Rumors: Zoë Kravitz and Madelyn Cline

In 2025, Butler’s love life sparked fresh speculation. Here’s what’s been reported:

• Zoë Kravitz (2024–2025): Rumors started in October 2024 when Butler and Kravitz were seen kissing on the set of Caught Stealing, where they play love interests. A July 2025 outing in New York City with director Darren Aronofsky fueled more talk, but TMZ clarified they were “just friends.” The lesson? On-set chemistry doesn’t always mean romance. Journalists must confirm off-set interactions to avoid misreporting.

• Madelyn Cline (2025): In January 2025, DeuxMoi posted an anonymous tip claiming Butler and Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline were spotted dining together at a celebrity-frequented restaurant. No major outlet has confirmed this, and DeuxMoi’s reliability is spotty. Reporting unverified tips as fact is a common mistake—always wait for corroboration from sources like People or Us Weekly.

These rumors show how quickly gossip spreads. Entertainment journalists need to verify claims with multiple sources to avoid misleading readers. Ignoring this can lead to false narratives that confuse fans.

Ethical Challenges in Covering Celebrity Relationships

Reporting on stars like Butler raises ethical questions. Here’s why it’s tricky and how journalists navigate it:

• Privacy vs. Public Interest: Fans want details, but stars deserve privacy. Butler’s low-key approach, as noted by ELLE in July 2025, forces journalists to balance curiosity with respect. Overstepping can lead to invasive coverage, like paparazzi shots that Butler hates.

• Source Reliability: Anonymous tips, like those on DeuxMoi, are tempting but risky. TMZ’s confirmation of Butler’s split with Gerber in 2025 was reliable because it cited insiders. Always prioritize named sources or credible outlets.

• Avoiding Defamation: Misreporting a relationship can lead to legal issues. For example, claiming Butler dated Kravitz without evidence could prompt backlash. Journalists must verify facts to avoid lawsuits.

Mistake: Relying on single sources or unverified X posts. Consequences include loss of credibility or legal action. Use outlets like The Hollywood Reporter or Variety for accuracy.

Impact of Digital Media on Celebrity Coverage

Digital platforms have changed how Butler’s love life is reported:

• Social Media Amplification: X posts, like DeuxMoi’s January 2025 tip about Cline, spread rumors fast. Journalists must fact-check before amplifying.

• Paparazzi Culture: Sites like Just Jared thrive on candid photos, like Butler and Gerber’s 2022 coffee run. These fuel speculation but often lack context. Cross-reference with insider reports to ensure accuracy.

• Fan Speculation: Fans on X speculated about Butler and Kravitz after Caught Stealing set photos in 2024. This shows how fans drive narratives, but journalists shouldn’t lean on unverified buzz.

Mistake: Treating social media as gospel. Always verify with primary sources to avoid spreading rumors. Digital media’s speed can amplify errors, so double-check facts.

FAQs

How do journalists verify celebrity relationships?
They cross-check sightings with insider sources from outlets like People or Us Weekly. For Butler and Gerber, Us Weekly confirmed their relationship in 2021 with a source saying they were “low-key dating.” Mistake: Relying on one source, like a single X post, risks inaccuracy. Always use multiple credible outlets.

Why does Austin Butler keep his love life private?
He values discretion, telling GQ in 2022 he avoids sharing personal details. This protects his relationships from scrutiny but makes reporting harder. Journalists must respect this while seeking verified info. Ignoring privacy can lead to invasive coverage that alienates stars.

How do rumors like Zoë Kravitz start?
On-set chemistry, like Butler and Kravitz’s Caught Stealing kiss in 2024, sparks speculation. TMZ debunked it in 2025, noting they were just friends. Mistake: Assuming on-screen romance means real-life dating. Verify off-set interactions to avoid errors.

What happens if journalists misreport relationships?
Misreporting can lead to defamation lawsuits or loss of credibility. For example, Who’s Dated Who’s unconfirmed Kravitz rumor in 2025 was debunked, showing the risk of shoddy reporting. Always confirm with reputable sources to avoid legal or reputational damage.

Conclusion

Austin Butler’s dating history, from Vanessa Hudgens to Kaia Gerber, shows his preference for long-term, private relationships. Rumors about Zoë Kravitz and Madelyn Cline highlight how quickly gossip spreads, but journalists must stick to verified facts from sources like ELLE, TMZ, or People. Covering celebrity relationships is a balancing act—respecting privacy while satisfying public curiosity. Mistakes like relying on unverified X posts or single sources can lead to false narratives or legal issues. Want to dive deeper into Hollywood’s love stories? Share your thoughts below or check out our related articles