Austin Butler is clearing the air about the time he referred to his former longtime girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens as simply a "friend." The viral moment occurred during The Hollywood Reporter's 2023 Actor..
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:39Published
Elvis star Austin Butler has insisted wasn't 'trying to erase' his nine-year relationship with Vanessa Hudgens by calling her a 'friend' - explaining he was just trying to protect her privacy
![Austin Butler Responds to Backlash After Calling Ex Vanessa Hudgens a "Friend" | THR News Video [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240207/1365115472-Austin-Butler-Responds-to-Backlash-After-Calling-Ex.jpg)
![Austin Butler wasn't 'trying to erase' Vanessa Hudgens romance by calling her a 'friend' [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240207/1365102570-Austin-Butler-wasn-trying-to-erase-Vanessa.jpg)
