What’s going on between The Bachelor’s Nick Viall and Demi Burnett? Although the pair denied rumors that they’re dating, they attended the 2020 Golden Globes together on Sunday, January 5. Was their appearance a friendly get together or a sign of a budding relationship?

Viall and Burnett were first linked following Burnett’s appearance on Colton Underwood’s season of The Bachelor. After establishing herself as a big personality in Bachelor Nation, Burnett set out on the typical post-filming tour of popular podcasts, including Viall’s show, The Viall Files. Although Viall didn’t hold back in criticizing and questioning Burnett’s decisions on her season, upsetting many of the young contestant’s fans, the pair emerged with a friendly relationship. Burnett made many more appearances on the podcast and both she and Viall publicly refer to their close and friendly relationship, as well as the range of advice Viall offers Burnett regarding next steps in Bachelor Nation. Although Viall appears to act as a friend and mentor, rumors that the popular pair were dating emerged after Burnett’s split from Kristian Haggerty in October 2019. On Sunday, Viall and Burnett added more fuel to the fire.

According to Us Weekly, Viall brought Burnett as his date to the 2020 Golden Globes. The 24-year-old Bachelor in Paradise alum posted a video on her Instagram showing her and Viall in the car on the way to the awards ceremony. She also posted a photo to her feed in her stunning blue gown, giving photo credits to Viall. For his part, Viall’s Instagram feed focused primarily on his appearance on E!’s live stream alongside fellow Bachelor Nation star Wells Adams. He did post one selfie that included Burnett, though the pair were separated by two other women.

Despite fans’ insistence that Burnett and Viall must be dating, Viall shut down the rumors back in November 2019, explicitly stating in an interview, “I’m not dating Demi.” He continued on, saying, “I’m certainly hoping to settle down when the right person comes. [But] I’m not trying to put pressure on myself.” Fellow Bachelor Nation favorite Hannah Brown mimicked Viall’s sentiments, stating that Viall and Burnett were “like besties.”

Although Bachelor Nation desperately wants to link Viall and Burnett, the pair appear to be nothing more than friends. Since Viall isn’t linked to anyone romantically, it makes sense that he would want to bring a close friend to the Golden Globes. In addition, neither Burnett nor Viall did anything to suggest a romantic relationship. Their lack of photos together or any kind of shared affectionate suggests that their appearance was simply two besties sharing in a fun celebration, rather than a public declaration that the two are in a relationship.

More: Bachelor in Paradise: A Timeline of Demi & Kristian’s Relationship Leading Up to the Split 

Source: Us Weekly