Taylor Swift has often referenced London in her music, making it clear that the city holds a special place in her life. She has spent significant time in England, recording music and engaging in several romantic relationships based in the city. Here's a timeline of Taylor Swift's relationships in and around London.
March 2012
Taylor begins dating Harry Styles, a well-known British singer. The couple spends substantial time together in England, as evidenced by photos of them walking together in Cheshire.
October 2012
Taylor released her album Red, which features the song "Come Back...Be Here." The song contains references to London, hinting at her romantic connections to the city.
Come back, be here
This is falling in love in the cruelest way
This is falling for you and you are worlds away
In New York, be here
But you're in London, and I break down
'Cause it's not fair that you're not around
2013
Taylor writes and records the album 1989. During this period, she reveals that the song Clean was written while she was in London. The lyrics reflect her emotional journey and healing process after a breakup.
February 2015
Taylor and Matty Healy are seen at a party in the UK, sparking rumors of a romantic relationship. Although the relationship is never confirmed, their appearances together garner media attention.
June 2016
Taylor begins dating Tom Hiddleston, a British actor from London. The relationship is short-lived and primarily takes place in the United States, but the British connection remains strong.
May 2017
The Sun reports that Taylor is staying in North London and dating Joe Alwyn. She reportedly takes measures to keep her identity hidden while spending time with Joe.
2018
Taylor works on her album Lover, recording the songs London Boy and Daylight at Metropolis Studios in London.
February 2019
Taylor posts a photo from the BAFTAs in London, where she and Joe Alwyn celebrate his film The Favourite. The couple remains relatively private but is seen together at events.
January 11, 2021
A source reports that Swift splits her time between Nashville and England, spending time with Joe's family and enjoying walks and hikes together.
May 11, 2021
Swift wins a BRIT Award and thanks Joe Alwyn during her acceptance speech.
May 2023
Swift started dating Matty Healy shortly after her breakup with Joe Alwyn. While their relationship is brief and doesn't involve much time in London, it adds another layer to Taylor's complex romantic history.
April 2024
Swift releases an album, The Tortured Poets Department, where a song named So Long London was released.
Taylor Swift's connection to London is evident in her music and personal life, making the city a significant part of her story.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.