Hudson Williams is keen to keep his personal life out of the public eye, but his fans' overwhelming support for his relationship with his girlfriend has prompted him to share his heartfelt response. After going Instagram official with his girlfriend on Valentine's Day last month, the star of "Heated Rivalry" expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and support from fans on social media.
"Honestly, I didn't even check the DMs," Hudson told Etalk Canada on the Oscars 2026 red carpet on March 15. "I'm sure they are probably the exact same. But just to see everyone kind of take her in stride and all the lovely fans supporting her, even though she's not trying to be out there or be perceived. She's always like, 'I don't want to be perceived!'"
Despite his girlfriend's desire to remain out of the spotlight in light of his massive success, the 25-year-old has received nothing but support from viewers. "They're still just being really warm from what I've been told," Hudson concluded, "and that's really nice."
While Hudson is now comfortable sharing more of his love life with fans, he is unable to share any secrets or spoilers from the upcoming season of the steamy TV drama. During a chat with Zuri Hall on Live from E!: Oscars 2026 before the annual award ceremony at The Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, he admitted that he and costar Connie Storrie are simply putting their faith in creator Jacob Tierney to decide what will come of Ilya and Shane's love story.
"By trusting Jacob Tierney," Hudson explained, "signing my life away and just trying to bust it down as hard as I possibly can."
The breakout star has been humbled by the number of celebrities he has met this award season who have expressed their love for "Heated Rivalry."
"Every single one," he told E!. "I don’t want to shout one out because there’s just too many now. Also, it’s obnoxious to say that there’s not just one person, it’s multiple. It feels really good because I’m proud of those people."
The Oscars will air live on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu.
