Reese Witherspoon and Oliver Haarmann Take Their Relationship Public
Reese Witherspoon and Oliver Haarmann have reportedly elevated their relationship from friendship to romance, according to exclusive sources for PEOPLE. The pair were recently seen together in New York City, attending an Assouline event on September 4, which also featured notable figures such as Roger Federer and Anna Wintour.
Haarmann, a private-equity financier and minority co-owner of the NHL’s New York Islanders, was dressed in khaki pants, a dark belt, and a light-blue button-up shirt under a darker-blue blazer. Witherspoon, the Oscar-winning actress, opted for a chic short-sleeved black dress paired with strappy heels and carried a black coat.
Despite their public appearance, a source close to the couple describes their relationship as “casual.” Witherspoon’s representative has yet to comment on the matter.
Previously, Witherspoon and Haarmann were spotted together in New York City on July 30, following their arrival by helicopter the day before. The two were seen dining at L’Artusi in the West Village.
At that time, sources indicated that Witherspoon and Haarmann were “friends,” and that the actress was “taking things slow” regarding her dating life. “She enjoys it but doesn’t want it to be a big focus,” a source revealed. “She’s busy with work and her son, which are her top priorities.”
Witherspoon’s divorce from ex-husband Jim Toth, announced in March 2023 after nearly 12 years of marriage, was finalized by August 2023. The former couple shares an 11-year-old son, Tennessee. Witherspoon also has two children from her previous marriage to actor Ryan Phillippe: daughter Ava, 24, and son Deacon, 20.
In a recent interview with Harper’s BAZAAR for their August 2023 issue, Witherspoon discussed the differences between her divorces from Toth and Phillippe. “Being able to talk directly about what’s happening in my life feels more authentic,” she stated. “It’s important to share my experiences in my own voice.”
Witherspoon added, “While speculation will always be a part of the public’s perception, I strive to be honest and genuine in how I present myself.”