The End Of A Hollywood Romance: Why Kaia Gerber And Austin Butler Split After Three Years

The celebrity world was stunned at the beginning of this year, December 10, 2025, with the confirmation that one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples, model Kaia Gerber and Oscar-nominated actor Austin Butler, had quietly ended their relationship. After nearly three years of dating, which saw them transition from a casual fling to a fixture on the red carpet, the A-list pair reportedly went their separate ways at the close of 2024. Sources close to the couple have been quick to clarify that the breakup was entirely amicable, with "no bad blood" involved, suggesting a mutual decision that the relationship had simply run its course.

The news, which broke in early 2025, marks the end of a high-profile romance that began in late 2021, shortly after Kaia Gerber’s split from actor Jacob Elordi. The relationship with Austin Butler, who was himself coming off a nearly decade-long romance with actress Vanessa Hudgens, captivated fans and the media alike, as they navigated their burgeoning careers and the intense scrutiny of the spotlight. This article provides a deep dive into their individual profiles, the complete timeline of their three-year journey, and the latest analysis on their surprising, yet drama-free, separation.

Complete Biography and Professional Profiles

To truly understand the dynamics of this power couple, it is essential to look at their individual journeys in the entertainment industry. Both Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler have established themselves as major forces, albeit in different spheres—Gerber in high fashion and Butler in critically acclaimed cinema.

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Kaia Gerber: The Modeling Scion

• Full Name: Kaia Jordan Gerber
• Born: September 3, 2001, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parentage: Daughter of supermodel icon Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber.
• Career Start: Began modeling at the age of 10 for Young Versace.
• Breakthrough: Signed with IMG Models at 15 and quickly became a runway staple for major fashion houses, including Chanel, Valentino, and Saint Laurent.
• Acting Roles: Has branched into acting with roles in television series like *American Horror Story* and *American Horror Stories*.

Austin Butler: The Method Actor

• Full Name: Austin Robert Butler
• Born: August 17, 1991, in Anaheim, California, U.S.
• Career Start: Began his career as a child actor, appearing in popular shows on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel, such as *iCarly* and *Zoey 101*.
• Major Breakthrough: His critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated performance as the music legend in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic *Elvis*.
• Recent Projects: Starred as the villain Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen in the blockbuster *Dune: Part Two* and the period drama *The Bikeriders*.
• Accolades: Winner of a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award for his role in *Elvis*.

The Three-Year Timeline: From First Sighting to Final Split

The relationship between Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler was marked by a blend of private moments and high-profile red carpet glamour. Their connection, which began just weeks after Kaia’s split from Jacob Elordi, moved quickly and became one of the most followed stories in the entertainment press.

Late 2021: The Initial Spark

Rumors first began swirling in December 2021 when the two were spotted attending a yoga class together. This was quickly followed by a public outing at a farmers market in Los Angeles, confirming the new romance. Their initial appearances were low-key, focusing on quiet dates and spending time in Los Angeles, a stark contrast to the highly publicized relationships both had prior.

2022: Red Carpet Debut and *Elvis* Success

The relationship solidified in 2022 as Butler's career exploded with the release of *Elvis*. Kaia was a constant, supportive presence, often seen with him during the film's press tour. Their relationship was officially confirmed on the red carpet at the Met Gala in May 2022, where they shared a tender kiss at the top of the famous stairs. Following this, they made a stunning appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, where *Elvis* premiered, showcasing their status as an undeniable Hollywood couple.

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2023: Engagement Rumors and Public Support

Throughout 2023, the couple’s bond appeared strong, though they remained fiercely private. Despite a flurry of online speculation and persistent rumors that Austin had proposed to Kaia, sources close to the pair, including a report from TMZ, firmly shut down any talk of an engagement, stating they were "NOT engaged." The year was highlighted by their continued support for each other's careers, with Kaia frequently traveling to be with Austin as he filmed his major projects.

2024: Rare Public Comments and The Final Months

The final year of their relationship offered a few key glimpses into their private life. In February 2024, Austin Butler made a rare public comment about Kaia at the *Dune: Part Two* premiere, praising her support. Later that year, in a beautiful display of professional support, Austin was seen watching from the front row as Kaia opened the Valentino Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show during Paris Fashion Week. They were last seen together publicly on a rare date night in New York City in July 2024, attending the Broadway premiere of "Oh, Mary!".

Late 2024 / Early 2025: The Amicable Split

The news of their separation broke in early 2025, with reports indicating they had quietly split around the end of 2024. Sources, including those "with direct knowledge," confirmed that the breakup was amicable and drama-free. The actor’s absence from Kaia’s family trip to Cabo San Lucas over the New Year's holiday was cited as one of the first signs of the separation. The consensus among insiders is that the couple’s demanding schedules and the natural evolution of their three-year relationship led to a mutual decision to part ways, with both wishing the other well as they focus on their flourishing individual careers.

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Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler relationship, while brief, connected several major entities in the entertainment world, creating a web of topical authority.

The Shadow of Previous Relationships

The romance was constantly framed by the long-term relationships both stars had recently exited. Austin Butler's nearly nine-year relationship with *High School Musical* star Vanessa Hudgens ended in 2020. Their breakup was a major headline, as they had been a staple couple for most of their twenties. Similarly, Kaia Gerber’s relationship with *Euphoria* and *Saltburn* actor Jacob Elordi, which lasted from September 2020 to November 2021, was a significant chapter that immediately preceded her dating Austin.

The Power of Hollywood Parents

Kaia Gerber’s lineage as the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and entrepreneur Rande Gerber has always been a key entity in her public profile. Her parents' long and successful marriage provided a constant backdrop to her own romantic choices. The family unit, including her brother Presley Gerber, often featured in public discussions, with the family reportedly being highly supportive of Austin during his time with Kaia.

Career Crossroads and Demanding Schedules

A key factor in the breakup analysis is the timing, which coincided with the explosive growth of Austin Butler’s career. His roles in the Baz Luhrmann *Elvis* biopic, the critically acclaimed *Dune: Part Two* directed by Denis Villeneuve, and his upcoming work on *The Bikeriders* alongside Tom Hardy and Jodie Comer, have placed him in a non-stop cycle of filming and promotion. This professional momentum, coupled with Kaia’s demanding schedule as a top-tier model walking in Paris Fashion Week and attending events like the Met Gala, likely created a logistical strain that even the most compatible couples struggle to overcome. The amicable nature of the split suggests a mature recognition that their individual career paths were simply too divergent at this time.