Why Did Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber Split? Closer Look at Their 3 Year Relationship

Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber’s relationship had all the makings of a modern-day Hollywood love story. They didn’t overshare, didn’t overdo it, and somehow, that made them even more intriguing.

From their first yoga session together to walking hand-in-hand at star-studded events, these two had everyone swooning. And let’s be real—seeing Butler kiss Gerber on the cheek at W Magazine’s Best Performances party? Looks straight out of Hollywood. 

Austin Butler in The Bikeriders (Credits: Focus Features) and Kaia Gerber (Credits: Instagram/@kaiagerber)

And just like that, the love story hit its final chapter. After three years of dating, they called it quits. No drama, no shouting matches—just a simple bye. 

Relationships are complicated, especially for celebs. Between hectic schedules, constant scrutiny, and a million ways to drift apart, something had to give. So, is there a reason for their split too? We’re here to break down every moment, from their sweet beginnings to the bittersweet goodbye.

When did Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber first meet?

Austin Butler in Elvis (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

According to PEOPLE, the story began in December 2021 when Kaia Gerber and Austin Butler were spotted attending a yoga session in Los Angeles. At the time, Gerber had just split from Jacob Elordi, and suddenly, their chill convo in matching activewear had the tabloids in a frenzy. 

Fast forward to March 2022, and the couple made their first official public appearance at W Magazine’s Best Performances party, walking hand-in-hand ahead of the Oscars. And, of course, the Hollywood star had to top it off with a cheek kiss. Like, they couldn’t stay low-key forever. 

Their chemistry was off the charts, and fans couldn’t get enough of their effortless connection. From red carpets to casual outings, they balanced public appearances with private moments, letting their love speak for itself. 

Why did Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber break up?

Kaia Gerber (Credits: Instagram/@kaiagerber)

After over three years together, Austin Butler and Kaia Gerber parted ways toward the end of 2024. According to multiple sources, there was no dramatic fall out—just the natural conclusion of their relationship. Insiders revealed to TMZ (who first broke the news) that “the relationship simply ran its course,” with no bitterness or bad blood between them.

Ironically, just a few months before the split, the couple were spotted on a super romantic date. They looked happy, holding hands and sharing all the lovey-dovey vibes. Here’s what the source told PEOPLE: 

Kaia and Austin are going strong. They held hands the entire way to dinner and stopped and hugged a few times before going into a club. They definitely looked happy and in love.

Their breakup came as a total shock, considering how strong they seemed in public. Guess love works in mysterious ways—even when it looks perfect from the outside.

Throughout their time together, Butler and Gerber maintained a high level of privacy. The model once told WSJ Magazine that her personal life was “sacred” amid the public attention (fair enough), saying: 

Honestly, I feel like so few things in my life are private, and that is one of the things that I try to keep as sacred as possible.

In an interview with GQ, Butler agreed, keeping the relationship details on lockdown. He said, “I don’t think there’s anything I want to share about that. But thank you for providing the space.” As for the breakup? It’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma. But not every ending needs a blowout. 

Austin Butler’s previous long-term relationship revealed

Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (Credits: Netflix)

Before Kaia Gerber, Austin Butler was with Vanessa Hudgens for nearly a decade. They started dating in 2011 after meeting through mutual friends, like Ashley Tisdale, their Disney co-star. By early 2012, they made things official with a red carpet debut at the premiere of Hudgens’ film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.

Their love story lasted almost nine years, filled with shared milestones and adorable public displays of affection. Fans couldn’t get enough, calling them a “power couple.” But long-distance and jam-packed schedules are a recipe for disaster. By January 2020, it was clear they needed a break. As a source told PEOPLE at the time:

Busy work schedules and travel definitely put a strain on the relationship. They were a wonderful couple and it’s really sad that it didn’t work out.

Even after their breakup, Butler and Hudgens couldn’t help but talk about each other. Hudgens casually mentioned how life-changing their relationship was, while The Bikeriders actor gave Hudgens full credit for pushing him to take on his iconic Elvis role in an interview with The Los Angeles Times. 

Their post-breakup moments arent’t exactly drama-free. Hudgens’ subtle digs on social media hints at lingering feelings, while Butler plays it cool—mostly.