It was 2014. One Direction was basically the center of the universe. Harry Styles, then just 20 years old, couldn't grab a coffee without the internet melting down. So, when he showed up at a Los Angeles pumpkin patch with Erin Foster, the daughter of legendary music mogul David Foster, the paparazzi went into a full-blown frenzy.
People were obsessed. Why? Well, for one, Erin was 32 at the time. A 12-year age gap isn't exactly a scandal in Hollywood, but for Harry’s younger fanbase, it felt like a massive deal.
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The photos of them wandering through rows of gourds looked like something out of a Hallmark movie—or a very staged PR play. Honestly, it depends on who you ask.
The Infamous Pumpkin Patch Date
Let's talk about those photos. You've probably seen them. Harry’s in a plaid shirt, Erin’s in a white tee. They look relaxed. They look "normal." But nothing about being the most famous boybander on earth is normal.
Rumor has it they were introduced by Kimberly Stewart. Harry had briefly dated Kimberly’s sister, or at least hung out with the family, so the circles were already overlapping. Harry Styles and Erin Foster didn't just meet at a random bar; they were part of that weirdly insular LA elite scene where everyone knows everyone’s dad.
Some sources at the time, specifically Grazia and E! News, claimed it was "nothing serious." They were just "having fun."
But "having fun" in celebrity-speak usually means one of two things:
- They were actually hooking up and keeping it low-key.
- They were just friends and the media ran with it because "Harry Styles Buys a Pumpkin with a Friend" doesn't sell magazines.
What Erin Foster Says Now
Fast forward a decade. Literally ten years later, in late 2024, Erin Foster finally addressed the rumors. Sorta.
She appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Now, if you know Andy, you know he wasn't going to let her leave without asking about the "Watermelon Sugar" singer. He straight-up asked if they dated.
Erin’s response? "I can't confirm or deny anything. I'm using my rights to plead the fifth."
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It was a classic non-answer. But in the world of celebrity gossip, a refusal to deny is basically a confirmation. If they hadn't dated, she probably would have just laughed it off and said they were just pals. By being coy, she kept the legend alive.
Even Christian Siriano, who was on the couch with her, joked that he would be shouting it from the rooftops if he’d dated Harry. Can you blame him?
Why the Internet Still Cares
It’s funny how some celebrity rumors just refuse to die. Harry Styles and Erin Foster are a footnote in his massive dating history—which includes heavyweights like Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner—yet this one sticks.
Maybe it’s because Erin is so different from the typical "pop star girlfriend" archetype. She’s a writer, a producer, and a comedian. She’s the brains behind the Netflix hit Nobody Wants This. She’s not just a face in a music video.
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Also, there’s the age thing. Harry has always had a "thing" for older women—recall his 2011 relationship with the late Caroline Flack when he was 17 and she was 31. The Erin Foster era fit right into that narrative.
The Facts We Actually Know
- October 2014: The pumpkin patch photos surface.
- The Connection: They met through the Stewart family (Kimberly and Rod Stewart).
- The Vibe: Casually hanging out in LA during 1D’s downtime.
- The Status: Never officially "boyfriend and girlfriend" in the public eye.
Was it a PR Stunt?
In Hollywood, everything is a little bit calculated. Some skeptics believe the "relationship" was a way to ground Harry’s image or perhaps give Erin some visibility.
However, looking back, it feels more like two people in the same social circle just hanging out. Remember, at 20, Harry was already living a life most 40-year-olds couldn't fathom. Hanging out with a witty, older writer like Erin probably felt more grounded than the chaotic scream-fest of his daily life.
Navigating the Rumor Mill
If you’re looking for a definitive "Yes, they were in love," you won't find it. Neither of them has ever given a play-by-play.
But if you look at the evidence, it’s clear they shared a moment in time. Whether it was a few dinners and a trip to buy Halloween decorations or a genuine short-term romance, it remains one of those "if you know, you know" moments in One Direction lore.
If you're curious about how these rumors shape a celebrity's brand, keep an eye on how Erin uses her "no comment" stance in future interviews. It's a masterclass in staying relevant without actually spilling any tea.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the 2024 WWHL Interview: To see Erin's body language when Harry's name comes up—it tells more than her words.
- Check out 'Nobody Wants This': Erin’s Netflix series gives a lot of insight into her perspective on relationships and age gaps.
- Compare the Timelines: Look at Harry’s Four era (late 2014) to see how his personal life influenced the more mature sound of One Direction at that time.