Matty Healy is the first of The Tortured Poets Department’s rumored song subjects to speak out about Taylor Swift’s new album. TMZ obtained video of the conversation between Healy, whom Swift dated briefly last summer, and a paparazzo this morning in Los Angeles.
The photographer asked Healy how he’d rate Swift’s “diss track” about him compared to the other 30 songs on the album. Healy replied confusedly, “My diss track?” Then he said, “Oh, I haven’t really listened to that much of it [the album], but I’m sure it’s good.”
More than one track on Tortured Poets is believed to be about Healy and his years-long history with Swift. While the couple dated publicly in May 2023 before breaking up in early June 2023, they were romantically involved in late 2014. They were friends in between their flings.
Fans have speculated that Swift’s songs “The Tortured Poets Department,” “Guilty as Sin?”, “But Daddy I Love Him,” “Down Bad,” “The Black Dog,” “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)”, and “Fresh Out the Slammer” are among those about Healy.
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Two sources spoke to Us Weekly the day Swift’s album came out about Healy’s reaction to it. One said that Healy got a heads-up from Swift’s team about the album. He was “really appreciative” of that, the insider said, adding, “He was worried that their story would be shed in a negative light. [He had concerns] the public wouldn’t get the full story.”
“[He was] also very nervous about the Swifties [but is] happy he can move on with less anxiety,” that source explained. “Their relationship was fast, but extremely passionate and real.” The insider shared that while the former couple doesn’t “speak anymore, [they] had a strong bond.” Healy will “always hold a special place for her.”
A second source said Healy felt “relief” with the album’s release. “Matty still thinks very highly of Taylor, but we were all nervous about what she might have said on the album,” that insider said. Those close to Healy “couldn’t be happier” with what Tortured Poets ended up being.