Debunked: The Baseless Romance Rumor Between Sabrina Carpenter and Austin Reaves
“The rumors are completely made up,” a source familiar with Sabrina Carpenter’s personal life told Harper’s Bazaar in early 2025, describing her status as firmly single and focused on her music career.
In the ever-churning rumor mill of celebrity gossip, a new story recently took flight on social media: a claim that pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter has a “huge crush” on Lakers shooting guard Austin Reaves after attending a game and that the two have been “hanging out.”
The tantalizing narrative of a chart-topping singer and an NBA star quickly gained traction across platforms like X and gossip forums.
The Rumor’s Viral Spark and Flimsy Foundation
The rumor appears to have originated from unnamed, anonymous accounts on social media platforms, the digital age’s equivalent of a whispered rumor in a crowded room.
The rumor was amplified by its posting on websites known for aggregating unverified celebrity dating speculation, which often present conjecture as potential fact. No reputable news outlet, entertainment publication, or credible insider reported any interaction between Carpenter and Reaves.
The Documented Reality: Two Separate Paths
Austin Reaves: A Decade-Long Commitment
On the other side of the rumor, Austin Reaves’s relationship status is not a mystery. The Lakers guard has been in a committed, long-term relationship with Jenna Barber, his high school sweetheart, since approximately 2014.
Their relationship is frequently highlighted in sports media, with Barber regularly attending games and supporting Reaves’s career.
| Person | Verified Relationship Status | Key Source of Truth | Public Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sabrina Carpenter | Single since Dec. 2024 | Statements from sources to major publications | Focus on tour and new music; no partner seen. |
| Austin Reaves | In a relationship with Jenna Barber since ~2014 | Sports media profiles & active joint social media | Barber’s consistent public support; no breakup rumors. |
The Anatomy of a Modern Celebrity Rumor
The Carpenter-Reaves rumor is not an anomaly but a standard model for how false celebrity narratives are born and spread in the digital era:
- The Proximity Trigger: Two famous individuals are seen in the same general location (a popular sports arena).
- The Narrative Creation: Anonymous online accounts fabricate a story to generate engagement, clicks, and discussion.
- The Amplification Loop: The story is picked up by low-credibility websites that traffic in speculation, giving it a veneer of legitimacy.
- The Community Spread: Fans and gossip enthusiasts share the story across social media, treating the rumor itself as news.
The damage from such rumors is often minimal but can create unnecessary scrutiny for the individuals involved. For Carpenter, it distracts from her professional work. For Reaves and Barber, it injects baseless doubt into their stable personal life.
Conclusion: Truth Versus Digital Fiction
The alleged romance between Sabrina Carpenter and Austin Reaves is a complete fabrication, a phantom story built on sand. The verified facts are clear and mundane: a globally famous singer is happily single and career-driven, while a rising NBA star is happily committed to his long-term partner.
I hope this detailed article clearly separates fact from fiction. If you’re interested in the careers of either Sabrina Carpenter or Austin Reaves, I can provide more information on their professional journeys.
