Hollywood’s newest maybe-couple alert! Actor Austin Butler and supermodel Emily Ratajkowski just gave fans a lot to talk about after being spotted getting cozy over drinks in New York City — and yes, the photos have people convinced romance might be brewing.
The sighting, which went down Friday night at the Waverly Inn in Manhattan’s trendy West Village, instantly set the internet ablaze. Butler, 34, and Ratajkowski, 33, looked relaxed, stylish, and very much like two people who didn’t mind being seen together.
Inside Their Cozy Night Out
TMZ snapped the duo seated side-by-side in a private booth with cocktails in front of them.
According to sources, Emily opted for a martini, while Austin enjoyed an old-fashioned. The two reportedly skipped food altogether and instead lingered for nearly two hours, chatting, laughing, and leaning into each other throughout the night.
Eyewitnesses described their body language as “comfortable, not forced” — noting that while there wasn’t much overt PDA, the connection was undeniable.
- At one point, Emily leaned in close as Austin spoke.
- Later, Austin casually draped his arm over Emily’s shoulder, sparking whispers that this wasn’t just a friendly hang.
Not Their First Public Link
This isn’t the first time Butler and Ratajkowski have been spotted in the same orbit.
The pair were also photographed together at the after-party for the NYC premiere of Caught Stealing earlier this summer. While the pics didn’t scream “date night,” eagle-eyed fans (and slide 6 of the gallery ) raised eyebrows about their chemistry.
Now, with their Waverly Inn rendezvous making headlines, it looks like those rumors might have had some truth after all.
But Wait… What About Zoë Kravitz?
Adding more fuel to the fire, there’s been speculation that Butler was previously linked to his Caught Stealing costar Zoë Kravitz.
That chatter started after the two were spotted together off-set — but insiders quickly shot it down, confirming Butler and Kravitz are strictly friends.
Translation: there’s no love triangle drama here… at least not yet.
Austin Butler’s Relationship History
Butler isn’t new to high-profile relationships. The actor was most recently linked to Kaia Gerber, daughter of Cindy Crawford, with whom he shared a three-year relationship.
The couple reportedly called it quits at the end of 2024, with sources citing busy schedules and long-distance pressures.
Before Kaia, Butler was famously in a nearly decade-long relationship with Vanessa Hudgens, which ended in 2020. Their breakup made headlines worldwide, especially after Hudgens later hinted that she was the one who encouraged Butler to audition for Elvis — the role that changed his career forever.
So, if Butler really is moving on with Emily Ratajkowski, it marks his first major romance since the Kaia split.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Love Life in the Spotlight
Ratajkowski has had her own rollercoaster ride in the dating world.
The model, actress, and author married film producer Sebastian Bear-McClard in 2018, but the marriage ended in divorce by September 2022 amid allegations of infidelity.
Since then, Emily has been linked to several high-profile men, including:
- Pete Davidson, with whom she briefly dated in late 2022. (Pete has since moved on with actress Elsie Hewitt, and the pair are expecting their first child together.)
- Eric André, who she was photographed kissing in early 2023.
- And now? It looks like Austin Butler might be the latest name added to her rumored roster.
Social Media Reaction
As soon as the photos hit the internet, fans exploded with opinions:
- “Emily Ratajkowski and Austin Butler?! My jaw is on the floor.”
- “I thought he was with Zoë Kravitz — this is messier than I expected.”
- “Honestly, they’d make a hot couple. Approve.”
On TikTok, fan edits featuring Butler and Ratajkowski have already racked up tens of thousands of likes, with users dubbing them “the surprise couple of 2025.”
The Waverly Inn Effect
For those unfamiliar, the Waverly Inn is no ordinary spot — it’s one of Manhattan’s most famous celebrity hideouts, known for its cozy booths, dim lighting, and upscale-yet-private atmosphere.
Over the years, it’s hosted power dinners and secret dates for stars ranging from Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux.
So, when Butler and Ratajkowski chose this venue, fans couldn’t help but assume it was intentional. After all, celebs know when they’re going to be seen — and this sighting feels like a soft launch if we’ve ever seen one.
Could This Be the Real Deal?
While neither Austin nor Emily has commented publicly on the rumors, the timing is intriguing.
- Both are single.
- Both have been spotted together more than once.
- Both are A-listers who understand the optics of being photographed in such a setting.
Insiders caution it’s still early days, but the chemistry between the two is undeniable. Whether it’s a full-blown romance or just a casual fling, fans are already shipping “Austily” (yes, the internet has already given them a couple name).
Final Thoughts
If Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski really are dating, they’d instantly become one of Hollywood’s hottest new couples. He’s the Oscar-nominated star whose career is skyrocketing, and she’s the model-turned-mogul who never fails to dominate headlines.
For now, all we have are cozy NYC photos, viral buzz, and plenty of speculation. But in celebrity culture, that’s often the first sign of something bigger to come.
What do you think — are Austin and Emily the real deal or just friends sparking rumors? Drop your thoughts below!
Stay tuned with The Pop Radar (TPR) for the latest tea on this possible new power couple.
