Austin Butler comments on rumors of a romance with Emily Ratajkowski following their dinner date.

Austin Butler recently addressed romance rumors after being seen on a dinner date with Emily Ratajkowski in New York City.

During an interview, the 34-year-old actor explained, “The real answer is, I have a lot of friends, we’re friends, we go out to dinner, we’re friends.” He insisted that he is currently single.

Butler shared that he previously felt overwhelmed by public interest in his personal life and wanted to “just hide,” although his viewpoint has shifted since then.

In early September, Butler and Ratajkowski were spotted enjoying a meal and drinks together at the Waverly Inn, where they appeared to be quite cozy. An observer mentioned that Butler was attentive, “putting his arm around her” and nodding in agreement as she spoke.

He posed a rhetorical question about living a life constrained by fear of public opinion, reflecting a change in his thoughts on private matters.

Sources noted that the pair made no effort to conceal their interaction, sitting in a visible booth at the restaurant. While they appeared playful and engaging, reports indicated they refrained from public displays of affection during their two-hour conversation.

This connection reportedly began in August, highlighted at the afterparty for the New York premiere of Butler’s film “Caught Stealing.”

Interestingly, Butler had also been linked to Zoe Kravitz, but sources clarified that their relationship was just a friendship. His last public relationship was with model Kaia Gerber, which ended in January after three years.

Ratajkowski, who shares a four-year-old son Sylvester with ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard, was recently thought to be involved with musician Shabouzy in August.