Austin Butler amassed negative reactions from fans over the past few weeks after many noticed that he never properly credited Vanessa Hudgens for his role in the hit movie "Elvis." Today the actor is finally speaking out about his ex-girlfriend.
It all began when the actor spoke to The Hollywood Reporter's "Actor's Roundtable" where he was asked how he got the role of the legendary Elvis Presley. Many fans were shocked when he only referred to the former Disney actress as a "friend" and never named her.
Today, the 31-year-old star spoke to The Los Angeles Times where he finally gave credit to Hudgens, saying she was indeed one of the main reasons why he auditioned.
Butler clarified that the "friend" he was talking about was his "partner at the time," then the reporter clarified whether it was Hudgens or not, confirming, "That's right. We'd been together for so long and she had this sort of clairvoyant moment and so I really, I owe her a lot for believing in me."
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Why Fans Were Mad at Austin Butler
In the previous interview, Butler explained that the month before he found out that Baz Luhrmann was making a movie about Elvis Presley, he was going to scout for Christmas lights "with a friend," who was reportedly Hudgens, but her name was not mentioned.
At the time, the actor said a Christmas song by the rock and roll legend was playing on the radio and he sang along, to which his "friend" reacted that he should play the singer. (via Billboard)
Fans immediately did some digging and found out that Hudgens spoke to a 2019 episode of "Live with Kelly and Ryan" where she shared a seemingly identical story.
Online users compiled the videos and shared it on social media platforms, leading Butler to receive negative reactions from fans.
"He irritates me for absolutely no logical reason," a user expressed.
"Imagine spending entire decade with someone only to refer to them in interviews as a "friend" Iaawd I'd shed real tears," one wrote.
According to Marie Claire, the couple dated for over eight years until their split in 2020. The two reportedly met each other through their mutual friend Ashley Tisdale in 2006, while filming "High School Musical."
As of this writing, Vanessa Hudgens has not publicly reacted on the matter.
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