Austin Butler has discovered a significant lesson … by no means discuss with your ex of practically 10 years as a ‘buddy’ trigger you will catch a whole lot of flak for it — similar to he did this week.

The actor needed to make clear what he meant from an interview he did nearly a yr in the past … when he pulled a Biz Markie and referred to Vanessa Hudgens as only a pal. On the time, he was recounting a narrative about how the concept of taking part in Elvis first got here onto his radar … which included Vanessa telling him he oughta painting the King whereas listening to Xmas songs.

In a brand new interview with Esquire that dropped this week .. he clarified what he mentioned about her on the time, clarifying he meant no disrespect … not point out downplaying the function VH performed in his life throughout their practically decade-long relationship. Quite the opposite, he insists he solely referred to her as a buddy out of her personal curiosity … to guard her privateness.

Austin says he opted for that wording based mostly on his personal expertise … explaining that values privateness a lot himself, and did not wish to put the “High School Musical” star able the place her personal was compromised and she or he’d be pressured to touch upon their relationship.

He famous … “I have so much love and care for her. It was in no way trying to erase anything.”

ICYMI … Vanessa’s followers had been up in arms over the unique flippancy of Austin failing to acknowledge she was his longtime girlfriend … they dated for a helluva very long time earlier than splitting up in 2020.

The pair pulled the plug on their romance … and so they’ve every since moved on. Austin’s now courting mannequin Kaia Gerber. … and Vanessa’s gotten hitched to baseball participant Cole Tucker.