Austin Butler is clearing the air about the time he referred to his former longtime girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens as simply a "friend." The viral moment occurred during The Hollywood Reporter's 2023 Actor Roundtable — when the 'Elvis' actor shared he was encouraged to play the King of Rock 'n' Roll through "a friend." At the time, social media was in a tizzy because it was clear he was talking about Hudgens, who shared the similar story during Live with Kelly and Ryan while discussing THR's casting article announcing Butler's role as Elvis.