All products are independently selected by our editors.
If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Youve got to play Elvis, thefriendtold him, once and then again a few weeks later.
Getty Images
By his own admission, Butler thought the whole thing was a longshot.
But then Butlers agent called with the news that an Elvis film was in the works.
The story sounded familiar, becausewed already heard it beforeback in 2019, from thatfriendsperspective.
Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler in 2019.
Except it wasnt Butlers friend at all.
It was his then girlfriend of nine years, Vanessa Hudgens.
The reaction to Butlers revisionist historywas swift and it was decisive.
Austin Butler poses with his Golden Globe award for best actor in a motion picture drama.
Him calling Vanessa Hudgens a friend PLEASEEEE, a Twitter userwrote alongside the clip.
She built him I trust she can break him, one reply read.
Another: Vanessa Hudgens is a stronger woman than me.
For much of their relationship, it was Hudgens who had the name and face recognition.
It wasnt long into filmingElvisthat Butler and Hudgens announced their split.
Although the pair publicly chalked it up to the distance, unsubstantiatedrumors flew that Butler cheated.
But does Hudgens deserve credit for Butlers success?
In short, no.
Credit for the performance lies with Butler.
Yet we cant help but put ourselves in Hudgenss shoes andbe infuriated on her behalf.
If it feels like weve seen this dynamic play out time and time again, its because we have.
Butler publicly reducing their long-time partnership to a friendship, frankly just feels immature and cheap.
I dont know what Im doing calls or can envision a path that their partner might not otherwise.
