Nina Dobrev and Zac Efron are not romantic partners, despite the numerous cozy photographs that surfaced from their recent getaway together.
A confidant disclosed to Us Weekly, “Nina and Zac have been close friends for over ten years and are definitely not dating. Their friends often joke that they should become a couple, but that’s merely playful banter. They’ve supported each other through various life transitions.”
Moreover, the source revealed that Dobrev, 36, has been relying heavily on her support network following her recent breakup with Shaun White. “She has felt an immense outpour of love and encouragement from her family and friends; it has really helped her feel better after taking some necessary time for herself post-split,” the insider added.
Us reached out to representatives for both Dobrev and Efron, 37, for their statements.
The speculation surrounding Dobrev and Efron’s relationship intensified when they were seen enjoying each other’s company recently, including their appearance at crypto tycoon Brad Garlinghouse‘s lavish wedding held in the South of France on Saturday, September 20.
Both stars featured in various posts on mutual friend Keleigh Teller‘s Instagram Stories during the extravagant wedding festivities, which reportedly took place at the stunning Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. One image depicted Keleigh, 32, alongside both Dobrev and her spouse Miles Teller, while in another snapshot, Efron was seen playfully fanning himself next to Miles, 38.
Garlinghouse, 54, the head of financial technology firm Ripple Labs, tied the knot with dietitian Tara Milsti. Making the event even more star-studded, Coldplay’s Chris Martin graced the reception as the wedding singer, serenading the couple with the poignant note of their first dance, “Yellow.”
Chace Crawford, Miles Teller, Zac Efron, Nina Dobrev and Kayleigh Teller on vacation in September 2025. Instagram/@keleighteller
Earlier in the week, images surfaced of Dobrev and Efron enjoying time on a yacht, accompanied by Chase Crawford, Keleigh, and Miles. An almost cinematic snapshot published by Deuxmoi captured Dobrev in a vibrant floral outfit, sharing a laugh with Efron, who sported a casual look with a backwards white cap and button-up shirt. Their chemistry was palpable as they shared a moment looking at her phone.
On September 18, the Daily Mail featured photographs of Dobrev and Efron swimming along the picturesque Italian coastline. Dobrev dazzled in a striking plunging swimsuit while Efron kept it cool in black swim shorts. Their companions for this sea escapade included Keleigh, Miles, and Chace along with his girlfriend, Kelsey Merritt.
These sightings come shortly after the publicly disclosed breakup between Dobrev and White, 39, who had been engaged for five years.
The initial report regarding their split surfaced on September 11 via People.
Speculations around infidelity arose, yet a source close to the ex-couple refuted these claims, stating exclusively to Us, “Neither of them was unfaithful during their relationship.”
“Throughout their five and a half years together, there was complete loyalty on both sides. Any rumors suggesting otherwise are utterly unfounded,” the insider asserted.
Another source informed Us on September 15 that Dobrev was “devastated” by the separation. The pair had just begun planning their wedding and were making tangible progress when life took an unexpected turn.
Ultimately, as one source insightfully put, “They are simply human, like everyone else.” They recognized that they had drifted apart and mutually decided it was best to forge ahead as friends rather than partners.
