Reese Witherspoon's red carpet debut with Oliver Haarmann sparks online backlash

Reese Witherspoon's first red carpet appearance with boyfriend Oliver Haarmann has sparked widespread discussion online, with some social media users criticising the relationship while others voice support.

The actress and Haarmann attended the world premiere of the new series Elle in New York City on June 23, marking their first official red carpet appearance as a couple.

Witherspoon wore a custom pink lace MONSE gown, while Haarmann complemented her look with a matching pink tie.

Following the event, a post on X describing Witherspoon as "lowkey evil" gained significant attention, attracting millions of views and prompting debate across social media.

Much of the criticism centred on Witherspoon's relationship with Haarmann, a billionaire financier. Some users questioned her decision to date a billionaire amid wider public discussions surrounding wealth inequality and the ethics of extreme wealth.

Others also referenced the actress's previous comments encouraging the use of artificial intelligence. Those remarks had already generated criticism online, and some social media users cited them again while discussing her latest public appearance.

However, the reaction has been mixed. While some users criticised the actress, others defended her relationship and expressed support following her divorce from talent agent Jim Toth.

Witherspoon and Toth announced their divorce in 2023. She was first linked to Haarmann during the summer of 2024 after the pair were reportedly seen dining together at L'Artusi in New York City's West Village.

Since then, the couple have largely kept their relationship out of the public eye. Reports have suggested that Witherspoon has privately referred to Haarmann by the nickname "her little genius", but neither has frequently discussed their romance publicly.