Reese Witherspoon has officially gone public with her new romance. The Oscar-winning actress made her red-carpet debut with billionaire financier Oliver Haarmann at the New York City premiere of the "Legally Blonde" prequel series "Elle" .

The couple, who have been linked since July 2024, put their love on full display. They held hands, shared warm smiles, and posed closely for photographers, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. Up until this point, the pair had largely kept their romance out of the public eye, making this one of their most affectionate appearances to date .

Witherspoon, 50, embraced her iconic character's signature style for the occasion. She stunned in a custom pink Monse lace gown featuring off-the-shoulder puff sleeves. Haarmann, 58, coordinated perfectly with her look, wearing a sharp navy suit complemented by a pink tie . The couple's coordinated outfits were a subtle nod to the beloved "Legally Blonde" franchise.

Also supporting the actress on the red carpet was her son, Deacon Phillippe, 21, whom she shares with her first husband, actor Ryan Phillippe . The premiere was a family affair, celebrating the launch of the new Prime Video series, which Witherspoon executive produces through her company, Hello Sunshine .

A Relationship Grows Out of the Spotlight

Witherspoon and Haarmann were first linked in the summer of 2024 when they were spotted together in New York City . At the time, sources indicated the actress was "taking things slow" with her new man . By September 2024, their relationship was confirmed as they were seen on multiple outings in the city, occasionally accompanied by her children, including her 13-year-old son, Tennessee, whom she shares with ex-husband Jim Toth .

Despite the high-profile nature of their respective careers, the couple has maintained a relatively private relationship. However, signs of their growing commitment have surfaced over the past year. In May 2025, reports emerged that they were exploring luxury apartments in Manhattan, with sources suggesting Witherspoon wants to spend more time in New York as one of her children is attending New York University . They were described as "very sweet and affectionate" during their tours of potential homes.

The couple also enjoyed a romantic getaway to St. Tropez last summer, where they were photographed sharing kisses aboard a luxury yacht and swimming together in the Mediterranean . A source close to the actress shared that "Her relationship with Oliver is very special to her," and that "He's not interested in the Hollywood spotlight. He's there for her" .

Oliver Haarmann: Who Is Witherspoon's New Beau?

Oliver Haarmann is a German financier and a founding partner of Searchlight Capital Partners, a global private equity firm with offices in New York, London, and Toronto . Prior to co-founding Searchlight Capital in 2010, he was a senior partner at a major international investment firm in London .

His professional accomplishments extend beyond finance. In 2023, Haarmann fulfilled a personal dream by acquiring a minority ownership stake in the NHL's New York Islanders, a team he has been a lifelong fan of .

Haarmann was previously married to Mala Gaonkar, a fellow investor and businesswoman, with whom he has two sons . The former couple co-founded the Surgo Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving global health and prosperity .

The Premiere and the 'Elle' Series

The star-studded premiere event was not just a milestone for Witherspoon's personal life but also a major celebration for her professional legacy. The new Prime Video series "Elle," which premieres July 1, is a coming-of-age prequel set in the 1990s . It follows a teenage Elle Woods, played by newcomer Lexi Minetree, as she navigates the challenges of high school after her family moves from Bel-Air to Seattle .

Witherspoon, who originated the beloved character in the 2001 film "Legally Blonde," has been deeply involved in the production, serving as an executive producer through her media company. The series coincides with the 25th anniversary of the original film . "I just thought, 'Why not make her a character for young women nowadays?'" Witherspoon said of her involvement in rebooting the franchise. "I looked at what's going on with young girls, and I just think they need a better role model" .

This public debut marks a new chapter for Witherspoon following her divorce from talent agent Jim Toth in 2023. She was previously married to Ryan Phillippe from 1999 to 2008, with whom she shares two children, Ava and Deacon . As she launches a new chapter for the iconic "Legally Blonde" franchise, Witherspoon appears to be embracing a new chapter in her personal life as well .