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Reese Witherspoon appears to have moved on since her divorce from ex-husband Jim Toth, after she was spotted out with a rumored new boyfriend.
The Oscar-winning actor, 46, was photographed with German financier Oliver Haarmann in New York City on July 30. The pair appeared to be on a date at West Village restaurant L'Artusi on Tuesday, according to sources. They reportedly arrived in the city by helicopter on July 29 and had dinner at the celebrity hotspot the next day.
He Legally Blonde The star wore a sleeveless, high-necked, long black dress, which she accessorized with a gold chain necklace and a pair of black and nude heels. Meanwhile, Haarmann was seen in navy blue trousers and a white button-down shirt.
However, several sources said People Witherspoon and Haarmann are just “friends” and she is “taking things slow” when it comes to dating. “She enjoys it, but she doesn’t want it to be a huge spotlight,” the source said of the actress’ love life. “She’s busy with work and her son. Those are her biggest priorities.”
In March 2023, Witherspoon announced that she and her ex-husband of 11 years, Jim Toth, had made the “difficult decision” to separate. The former couple, who share an 11-year-old son, Tennessee James Toth, said their “biggest priority” will be their son as they “navigate this next chapter.”
“We have some personal news to share,” he said. Big little lies The star began the joint statement, which was shared on Instagram: “With great care and consideration we have made the difficult decision to divorce.”
“We have enjoyed so many wonderful years together and we move forward with deep love, kindness and mutual respect for all we have created together,” she continued. “Our highest priority is our son and our entire family as we navigate this new chapter. These matters are never easy and are extremely personal. We truly appreciate everyone’s respect for our family’s privacy at this time.”
According PeopleHaarmann is a founding partner of Searchlight Capital Partners, a private equity investment firm. He earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He was previously a senior partner at global investment firm KKR & Co and is a minority owner of an NHL ice hockey team, the New York Islanders.
Like Witherspoon, Haarmann has been married before. He has two children with his ex-wife Mala Gaonkar, also a financier, who founded the hedge fund SurgoCap Partners in 2022.
Since her divorce from Toth was finalized in August 2023, the Emmy-winning actress has been open about speculation surrounding her split from her ex-husband. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Witherspoon admitted she was grateful to be able to share the news of the breakup herself because it felt more “authentic.”
“Being able to talk to people directly about what’s going on in my life and just share it in the same way that I share great professional or personal experiences, it feels so much more authentic to be able to say things in my own voice and not let someone else control what’s going on,” she said.
Despite the assumptions that have been made about her divorce, Witherspoon said she still plans to be as “honest” as possible with her fans. “Then, of course, there is speculation, but I can’t control it. All I can do is be as honest and direct as I can and be vulnerable,” she explained, adding, “It’s a vulnerable time for me.”
The Independent has reached out to representatives for Witherspoon for comment.
