Austin Butler causes divide over "friend" remark about ex Vanessa Hudgens

Los Angeles, California - Fans took umbrage with Elvis star Austin Butler after he recently credited his ex Vanessa Hudgens for his Oscar-nominated role.

Fans are divided after Austin Butler (c) admitted that his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens suggested he play Elvis.
Fans are divided after Austin Butler (c) admitted that his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens suggested he play Elvis.  © Collage: JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX & MATT WINKELMEYER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

While the 31-year-old actor has received nothing but praise for his portrayal of the late king of Rock n' Roll Elvis Presley, his recent comments about his ex-girlfriend rubbed fans the wrong way.

During an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Austin confirmed that the "friend" who suggested he play Elvis was Vanessa Hudgens, the High School Musical star who he dated from 2011 to 2020.

"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," he told the outlet.

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His clarification followed a previous appearance on The Hollywood Reporter's Actor's Roundtable, where he said a "friend" encouraged him to play the Love Me Tender singer in the film.

But Austin's admission may have been a little too late as many sounded off about his explanation on Twitter.

Fans sound off on Austin Butler and Vanessa Hudgens drama

Austin Butler (r) and Vanessa Hudgens split in 2020 after dating for nearly nine years.
Austin Butler (r) and Vanessa Hudgens split in 2020 after dating for nearly nine years.  © MATT WINKELMEYER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

It should be noted that both Vanessa and Austin are currently happy in their new relationships.

The Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood star is dating model Kaia Gerber while the Spring Breakers star is in a relationship with athlete Cole Tucker.

Still, fans are divided as some users felt that Austin shaded his former flame while others begged to differ.

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"It's weird how Vanessa Hudgens' fans are acting like Denzel Washington isn't the real reason Austin Butler got the role of 'Elvis'. Denzel was the one that picked up the phone, called Baz & suggested him. If that call hadn't been made, Austin would not have gotten it. Period," one fan wrote.

Another user tweeted, "I thought Austin Butler was a gentleman but the way he just ignored Vanessa Hudgens’ existence in his interview is top tier red flag [behavior]. The disrespect I can't even."

Check out some more reactions below!

See if Austin Butler wins the coveted honor of Best Actor at the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12.

Cover photo: Collage: JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX & MATT WINKELMEYER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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