Matty Healy’s mom talks about breakup with Taylor Swift, praises son’s new relationship

Denise Welch, British television personality and mother of The 1975 lead singer Matty Healy, has spoken publicly for the first time about the high-profile breakup between Healy and global pop superstar Taylor Swift. Her candid and somewhat nuanced remarks shed light on the personal complexities behind one of music’s most talked-about recent relationships.

Speaking on the popular talk show Watch What Happens Live hosted by Andy Cohen, Welch was asked for her thoughts on Swift’s album – which reportedly touches extensively on her son’s and Swift’s relationship. While careful to respect privacy and not divulge too much, Welch described the situation as “tricky” and acknowledged the complicated nature of the breakup.

“Obviously on pain of death can I talk about that episode but not being her mother-in-law is a role that I’m glad that I lost,” Welch jokingly commented, adding a playful shade to the complexities involved in the former relationship.


When pressed further, she clarified, “I don’t have anything against her at all.” The British TV personality emphasized that Healy has handled the aftermath maturely: “He’s taken it all in completely good graces,” she said.

Welch also highlighted Healy’s current happiness, pointing to his engagement to Gabriella Bechtel, describing her as “amazing” and “gorgeous.” “We’ve moved on,” she concluded, underscoring a sense of closure and new beginnings.

Background: The relationship and breakup

Matty Healy and Taylor Swift’s romance began making headlines in mid 2023, with the couple sparking intense media and fan attention given Swift’s status as one of the world’s biggest music stars, and Healy’s role as frontman of the influential British band The 1975. Their relationship also inspired Swift’s 2024 album The Tortured Poets Department, widely interpreted by critics and fans as reflecting the emotional highs and lows experienced during their time together.

In June 2024, Healy became engaged to model Gabriella Bechtel, drawing a clear line under his relationship with Swift and moving into a new chapter personally.