Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski spotted getting cozy in NYC, fueling romance rumors

Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski were spotted together in New York on September 5, 2025, and their outing has reignited speculation about what some people think to be a romance. The pair met for drinks at the Waverly Inn in the West Village, and they looked calm and relaxed in photos that appeared shortly after.

In the images, Butler and Ratajkowski were looking quite cozy in a booth, as per TMZ. Butler was in a basic white T-shirt, but Ratajkowski had dressed to the nines in a black strapless top while sipping martinis. In one of the pictures, Butler rested his arm on the booth behind Ratajkowski, as they were sitting close. They didn't seem an overly affectionate couple like many, but seemed to be sharing thoughtful smiles and each other’s company.

This sighting follows an earlier one at the after-party for Butler’s new movie, Caught Stealing. Both attended the premiere in New York and were seen close together as the event wrapped. Again, no public comment came from either of them. The excursion may have sparked some of the recent speculation, too.

Up until now, the stars and their publicist have yet to confirm or deny a romantic relationship at all. The uncertainty gives fans and reporters alike a scope to wonder: Is it just friendship or something more?

What do we know about Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski's Waverly Inn evening?

The Waverly Inn is a cozy restaurant known to draw in celebrities. On September 5, viewers saw Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski enter separately, then sit together. They stayed in that booth for nearly two hours. Observers reported that they spoke softly and laughed. At times, Ratajkowski leaned toward Austin Butler, and he rested his arm around her shoulder. Page Six reported that the pair looked "giggly and cute."

They did not stay for dinner. Instead, they had drinks only. Butler’s old-fashioned and Ratajkowski’s martini were their focus. The simplicity of the meeting, in casual forms and relaxed smiles, made the outing feel natural and unforced. Still, the fact that they were seen twice in quick succession in public has kept eyes on both. Fans are calling it more than a coincidence, though nothing is confirmed.

Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski's past relationships and the buzz around them

Austin Butler was previously linked to model Kaia Gerber. The two dated for about three years before officially parting ways at the end of 2024. The two were seen on the red carpet and in interviews together. Ratajkowski was married to producer Sebastian Bear-McClard before publicly divorcing him in 2022. She has since been focused on parenting their son and continuing her career while continuing to have links to various public figures, though none were confirmed.

Earlier in September, rumors swirled about Austin Butler and TikTok creator Haley Kalil. She denied any link. "I wish it was me,” she told TMZ, and said, "Austin, my DMs are open." That brief episode added fuel to the current speculation.

At the root of all this, both Austin Butler and Emily Ratajkowski are strong figures in Hollywood. Butler earned praise for his role in Elvis and is now headlining Caught Stealing. Ratajkowski continues modeling and hosts podcasts that draw wide interest. Together or apart, they draw the public’s attention easily.

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At this moment, their connection is a whisper and not a statement. The sightings are real, and they are not denying or confirming anything. That is the current state of play. Fans are waiting for more such signs and hints, and maybe for them to confirm their speculations.

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