Why Did Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler Break Up? All We Know About Their Relationship and Split

Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler were adorable together. So it took many by surprise when they broke up. While the two kept their lips sealed with regard to their personal lives, here is some information that may help us understand their split.

Actors Hudgens and Butler began dating in 2011. After nine years together, the couple decided to go their separate ways.

Ahead of the "Elvis" premiere, Butler interviewed with ​​British GQ and was asked about his split from Hudgens.

Both he and Hudgens have remained civil and polite following the breakup. So, it's no surprise that the actor answered:

"Life is full of changes, and you've got to find a way to constantly be evolving and growing,"

This comment counts as possibly one of the few times he has publicly opened up about their past relationship. Butler has stated that he prefers to keep his personal life to himself. But not everything can be kept a secret, such as when these two fell in love.

WHEN DID VANESSA HUDGENS AND AUSTIN BUTLER FALL IN LOVE?

The two initially met on the set of "High School Musical" in 2005, but Hudgens was dating Zac Efron at the time. Their relationship began in 2011.

Throughout the years, the couple shared cute and supportive social media posts with or about one another. They were also photographed hand-in-hand at events, walking in public, or traveling.

Hudgens shared a photo in December 2017 that sparked engagement rumors, as the actress sported a ring on her left hand.

She shut down the speculation. But she told Women's Health Magazine that she wants to get married one day. In 2018 she referred to Butler as her "rock."

Then, to the surprise of fans and "shippers," it was reported in January 2020 that the two had broken up. The only question was, why?

WHY DID AUSTIN AND VANESSA BREAK UP?

Although the couple remains secretive about their past relationship and breakup, there is a lot of speculation. It has been said that it was only meant to be a temporary split.

Beyond this, it is believed that the two had clashing views on marriage, and their work schedules were getting in the way.

It has also been hypothesized that because Butler was in the prime of his career, he felt he needed to focus on it more. The two also reportedly experienced a short split in 2012, rumored to be because of long distance and busy schedules.

WHO IS AUSTIN DATING NOW?

Butler and his current girlfriend Kaia Gerber went public with their relationship on March 22, 2022, when they attended W Magazine's annual Best Performances party. This was after rumors of their romance since the end of 2021.

Soon after the party, the couple traveled to Paris — the city of love — and then attended the Met Gala. This was followed by the Cannes Film Festival, where they were seen kissing. While the two look adorable, the 10-year age gap has some fans concerned.

In the past, Gerber was involved with Jacob Elordi, who she dated right before Butler. She was also once rumored to have been in a romantic relationship with Pete Davidson.