Matty Healy's mother Denise Welch takes swipe at his ex Taylor Swift

Denise Welch comments on Taylor Swift and Matty Healy’s past relationship, saying she’s glad not to be her in-law.

Taylor Swift’s former relationship with Matty Healy was briefly back in the spotlight following a comment from Healy’s mother, Denise Welch.

Appearing on Watch What Happens Live! on Thursday, the British actress was asked about Swift’s 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department, widely speculated to include several songs referencing Healy.

Welch didn’t hold back. “Obviously, on pain of death can I talk about that episode, but not being her mother-in-law is a role that I am glad that I lost,” she said, drawing gasps from the studio audience. She quickly followed with, “Not that I have anything against her at all. It was just — it was tricky.”

Reflecting on Swift’s lyrical approach, Welch added, “You’re not allowed to say anything, and then she writes a whole album about it.” Despite this, she clarified that her son “took the aftermath of Swift’s eleventh studio album all in good grace.”

Swift and Healy briefly dated from May to June 2023 after her split from actor Joe Alwyn. During their short time together, Healy was seen attending Swift’s Eras Tour concerts and accompanying her in New York City.

Since their split, both artists have moved on. Healy is now engaged to model Gabbriette Bechtel, while Swift began dating NFL star Travis Kelce in mid-2024.