United Kingdom, Feb. 7 -- Austin Butler wasn't "trying to erase" his relationship with Vanessa Hudgens by labelling her a "friend".

The 'Elvis' star dated the 'High School Musical' alum for nine years until they split in 2019 and he seemingly downplayed their romance in a roundtable interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year when he explained a "friend" told him he was destined to play Elvis Presley on screen - but Austin is adamant he simply wanted to protect his ex-girlfriend's privacy.

He told Esquire magazine: "I felt that I was respecting her privacy in a way and not wanting to bring up a ton of things that would cause her to have to talk. I have so much love and care for her. It was in no way trying to erase anything.

"I val...