Reese Witherspoon is proudly flaunting her romance with German boyfriend, Oliver Haarmann, but fans aren’t loving the relationship.
The “Legally Blonde” actress and billionaire finally made their red carpet debut almost two years after first getting linked.
Witherspoon and Haarmann became an item following her shock divorce from Jim Toth after 12 years of marriage in 2023, but have kept things super private.
For the New York premiere of “Elle,” Witherspoon shocked fans when she stepped out on the red carpet with Haarmann by her side. The couple who have been super low-key put their love on full display.
The actress channeled her 2001 comedy “Legally Blonde” character, rocking pink from head to toe. She donned a daring, sheer, pink, lacy dress with dramatic puffy sleeves.
The off-shoulder ensemble clung tightly to her petite frame and teased her cleavage. Witherspoon paired the outfit with a pair of baby-pink strappy open-toe heels and styled her blonde hair to a side part.
Haarmann, on the other hand, looked dapper in a crisp navy blue suit paired with a pink tie that matched his woman’s outfit. The lovebirds looked so in love, with Witherspoon staring sweetly at him as she held on closely, according to Daily Mail.
The duo was barely separated during the premiere, which also saw Witherspoon’s son, Deacon Phillippe, in attendance.
Fans Mock Reese Witherspoon & Haarmann’s Red Carpet Debut
While Witherspoon and her financier boyfriend seemed thrilled to show off their romance, many fans criticized their appearance, suggesting that Haarman looked significantly older.
“Imagine going from Ryan Phillipe to a man who looks like her father??” one fan slammed on X, while a similar comment read, “He could be her daddy.”
A third fan advised, “Just be single, Reese. You’re rich already. Or go back with your first husband if he’ll have you.” Another described Haarmann as her “grandpa”
A fifth comment read, “I thought he was her dad…Had never seen him before!” However, some fans defended Witherspoon and Haarmann, saying they looked right for each other.
“He’s actually age-appropriate. We’re not used to seeing it,” this user argued. Haarmann, 58, and Witherspoon’s romance was confirmed a year after their divorce from Toth.
The Actress Hoped To Keep Things ‘Private’
Witherspoon and the German native gracing the red carpet in New York came as a shock, as the actress has been keen on keeping her love life away from the prying eyes of fame.
After two failed public marriages, including her union to actor Ryan Phillippe, which ended in 2008, close sources say she planned to do things differently the third time.
“She loves what she does but not the fame side of things and wants to keep her private life private,” the insider alleged, per The Blast.
As a result, in her search for love again, Witherspoon, 50, opted for a partner “who wasn’t in the film industry.” Luckily, Haarmann, the co-founder of Searchlight Capital Partners, loves to keep out of the spotlight.
Reese Witherspoon’s Personality Rules Her Relationships
Apart from her desire to keep her romantic life separate from her fame, close sources say Witherspoon’s personality affects how her relationship turns out.
Often described as someone who loves being in charge, “The Morning Show” star is reportedly “difficult to deal with” and goes for a partner who wouldn’t be competing for fame with her. Hence, the financier fits the profile.
Also, it helps that Haarmann is super wealthy, as his success and financial independence bode well for their relationship. Nevertheless, Witherspoon has no intention to rush into marriage with the billionaire.
Reese Witherspoon Advocates For AI Despite Backlash
When Witherspoon’s love life isn’t making headlines, her stance on artificial intelligence recently landed her in hot water.
The “Big Little Lies” actress first made headlines after she spoke encouragingly about the use of AI, highlighting the gap between how men and women use AI tools. Unfortunately, her advocacy was slammed by fans, who assumed she was being paid to push the technology forward.
Regardless, Witherspoon doubled down on her stance, taking to social media to debunk speculations that she received any payment to promote AI, as reported by The Blast.
While acknowledging fans’ concerns as “valid,” the actress explained that she wasn’t in favor of technology replacing humanity. Instead, she wants more people, especially women, to be open about learning amid the technological adjustment all sectors are facing.
