The pair was photographed seated in a booth at the Waverly Inn in the West Village where they shared drinks and spent time talking. They were also spotted together again at an afterparty following the New York City premiere of Butler's film Caught Stealing. Around the same period, Butler was seen socializing with his co star Zoë Kravitz at Dragon bar in Paris shortly after the film's red carpet premiere in August. Although the circulating photos caused public curiosity, Butler explained to Vanity Fair that he refuses to restrict his life or choices out of fear of rumors or online chatter. He questioned whether it would be worth living cautiously to avoid criticism rather than embracing normal social experiences.
Butler previously dated Kaia Gerber for three years before the two ended their relationship in 2024. TMZ reported that the breakup happened toward the end of that year and sources shared that the relationship ended naturally. Before dating Gerber, Butler was in a long term relationship with Vanessa Hudgens which lasted eight years before they separated in January 2020.
During the interview, Butler also opened up about his personal values and long term goals. He shared that he is focused on learning from his past, improving himself, and preparing for a future where he hopes to be a committed partner and parent. Butler expressed his belief that people only get one life and that he wants to become a better friend and partner which he hopes will translate into being a good husband and father someday. He has already practiced nurturing relationships by proudly taking on the role of a supportive and playful uncle to Ashley Tisdale's daughter Jupiter, a role he spoke fondly about in a previous interview with E News.
