Taylor Swift’s shade of Matty Healy’s mom immediately ignited social media backlash. Denise Welch, the actress and mother of The 1975’s Matty Healy, recently appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and delivered a sharp quip about Taylor Swift—and it went viral. In one memorable line, she joked she was “glad” not to become Swift’s mother‑in‑law, in reference to the singer’s album rumored to draw on her brief 2023 romance with Healy.
Denise Welch’s Reveal: A Sharp Shade in a Talk Show
In a moment that caught the audience off guard, Welch was asked about The Tortured Poets Department, the Taylor Swift album widely speculated to reference her son’s past relationship with Swift. She responded with a deadpan smile, saying:
“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.”
Despite the crowd’s gasp, she quickly clarified that she held “nothing against her at all” but described the situation as “tricky”—implying there’s more beneath the surface. Her tone balanced humor and subtle criticism, making headlines across outlets.
Backlash from Swifties: Social Media Reacts
Social media erupted with strong reactions. Many Swift fans praised Taylor for “dodging a bullet,” while others mocked Welch’s comment. On X (formerly Twitter), users wrote:
“The honor is Swift’s actually for dodging a huge bullet.”
“Mother-in-law arc canceled with grace.”
One viral reaction read:
“Mom just cooked and ate,” — a phrase capturing how Welch’s remark was both bold and devoured by critics and fans alike.
The Album and Its Subtext: The Tortured Poets Department
Swift’s 2024 album has been dissected by fans and critics alike for references to exes, including Matty Healy. Songs like “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” are interpreted as direct nods to him and their short yet high-profile romance in 2023.
Meanwhile, during The 1975’s headline set at Glastonbury Festival in June 2025, Healy referred to himself as “the best songwriter of my generation… a poet” — interpreted by fans as a wink at Swift’s album title The Tortured Poets Department. He later clarified it was a joke—though many believe the timing was too pointed to be coincidental.
Family Dynamics: Moving On from the Spotlight
Welch didn’t just stop at the shade. She took the opportunity to express pride in Matty’s current life. She praised his fiancée, model Gabriella Bechtel (known professionally as Gabbriette), calling her “amazing” and “gorgeous,” and emphasized that he has “taken it all in completely good grace.” She conveyed a sense that the chapter is firmly closed and new beginnings are underway.
This adds nuance: it’s not just snide commentary—it’s also an assertion that Matty is thriving post‑Swift, with his family standing firmly behind him
What’s Next: Industry Implications & Public Relations Fallout
For Taylor Swift, the episode is another layer in the ongoing narrative surrounding her breakup‑inspired songwriting process. She remains one of the world’s most powerful artists, and Swifties are fiercely protective of her storytelling rights.
For The 1975 and Matty Healy, this drama may serve multiple functions: fuel for publicity, reinforcement of his provocative persona, and continued engagement with fans curious about personal references in both artists’ work. Marie Claire
For Welch, the comment underscores her carefully staged public presence—humorous yet strategic, providing entertainment while diverting attention toward Matty’s new chapter.
Conclusion
Denise Welch’s quip that she was “glad” not to be Taylor Swift’s mother‑in‑law became the focal point of heated debate—melding celebrity drama, fandom passion, and reference‑heavy music culture into one viral moment. With Swift’s music echoing past relationships and Matty Healy’s Glastonbury performance delivering sly barbs, this chapter remains far from over.
The broader cultural lens reveals how public figures use interviews, performances, and social media narratives to shape perception—and how fans play a pivotal role in amplifying or rebutting those stories.
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