Joe Alwyn Makes First Public Appearance Since Taylor Swift Split (2024)

Taylor Swift is no stranger to having her love life talked about online — in fact, the three-time Album of the Year Grammy Award-winning singer has made an entire career out of writing love songs. No matter what sort of sticky relationship situation you may find yourself in, Taylor has the perfect song for you to belt your heart out to. And although fans thought the singer-songwriter found The One with actor Joe Alwyn, it’s been reported that the two have split after six years together.

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn began dating in 2016 and kept their relationship incredibly private, compared to T.Swift’s past flames (some of the more ~high profile~ ones being Harry Styles, Tom Hiddleston, Taylor Lautner, and Jake Gyllenhaal). But where this relationship lacked in flashy paparazzi photos, it made up for in the form of songs written not just about Joe, but with Joe on Taylor’s Folklore, Evermore, and Midnights albums.

Swifties are second to none when it comes to interpreting clues and breaking down conspiracy theories, so we’ve gathered all of the major dates, photos, Tweets, and IRL events to put together a complete timeline of Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn’s relationship. The couple — who were once rumored to be engaged — hasn’t commented publicly on the split yet, but keep checking down below for all of the updates on Taylor and Joe.

May 23, 2023: Joe Makes His First Public Appearance Since Split

While Taylor has been hitting stadium after stadium for her nationwide Eras Tour, Joe just made his first public appearance since their split in early April. The actor touched down in the South of France this week to attend the Cannes Film Festival and join French fashion house Celine for a posh dinner at Eden-Roc. According to Entertainment Tonight, Joe wore a black suit and nude satin shirt, paired with black sunnies and boots for the star-studded event. Suffice to say, he’s steppin’ out in style in his new single era.

May 1, 2023: Taylor Quietly Removes an IG Reel About Joe

Keen-eyed Twitter fans realized that Taylor recently took down an Instagram Reel where she talked about being in love with Joe Alwyn. 🥲 In the video that has since been removed, Taylor shared that “Lavender Haze” was about her six-year relationship with Joe and how they've had to “dodge weird rumors” and “tabloid stuff” to protect their love.

"If you're in the ‘lavender haze,’ then that meant you were in that all-encompassing love glow," Taylor said in the removed clip. "I guess, theoretically, when you’re in the ‘lavender haze,’ you’ll do anything to stay there. And not let people bring you down off of that cloud. I think that a lot of people have to deal with this now, not just like ‘public figures,’ because we live in the era of social media, and if the world finds out if you’re in love with somebody they’re going to weigh in on it."

Taylor also changed the URL in her Instagram bio from a link to the Lavender Haze music video to a link to her website, taylorswift.com.

April 21, 2023: Taylor Is Reportedly Embracing Single Life

Despite the breakup, it seems like Taylor is handling things pretty well. A source explained to Elle that the singer is "feeling very optimistic about her future," "enjoying her freedom," and "adjusting to the single life."

"She truly believes whatever is meant to be, will be, and knows everything happens for a reason," the source shared. “She isn’t dating anybody and isn’t even thinking about getting into another relationship anytime soon.”

April 20, 2023: Taylor’s Friends and Fam Unfollow Joe

Well, it seems like Taylor’s closest friends and family are cutting digital ties with Joe. Just about two weeks since Taylor and Joe’s break-up made headlines, DeuxMoi and observant fans have noticed that the pop star’s close circle, including her brother Austin Swift, Ryan Reynolds, and the Haim sisters, have unfollowed the actor on Instagram, People reports.

The same night this revelation was made, Taylor was spotted grabbing dinner in New York City with Ryan and her bestie, Blake Lively, according to Page Six. Joe was also spotted for the first time since the break-up in photos obtained by TMZ. The actor was seen talking on the phone and walking around central London on Thursday, April 20 in his first public outing since news broke about his split with Taylor.

April 13, 2023: Taylor Returns to the Stage for the First Time Since the Break-Up

Taylor hit the stage in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday night, marking her first “Eras” tour stop since her split from Joe. According to People, Taylor welcomed the crowd at the stadium, telling fans, “We have a lot to catch up on.” 👀 Page Six reports that Taylor once again left “invisible string” off her setlist, swapping the wistful love song for one of her breakup anthems, “the 1.”

April 11, 2023: A Source Reveals That Taylor Allegedly Initiated Her Breakup with Joe

Another source has come forward with details about the ending of Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn's six-year romance. After Taylor was spotted at a birthday dinner in New York City's West Village, an insider told Entertainment Tonight that the "Lavender Haze" singer allegedly initiated her breakup with Joe.

"Taylor and Joe are in totally different places in their lives right now," the source explained. "It was more of Taylor's decision to break up, but both of them realized that they weren't completely right for one another. They had been together for such a long time and were spending so much time together, but their personalities were just too different. Joe is more introverted, shy, and quiet."

April 10, 2023: Taylor Spotted for the First Time Since Her Split from Joe

Taylor just made her first public appearance since her break-up with Joe, and naturally, she was only minutes away from Cornelia Street.

According to E! News, Taylor was photographed in New York City’s West Village on Monday night, grabbing a bite at Italian eatery Via Carota with her longtime music collaborator Jack Antonoff and his fiancée, actress Margaret Qualley.

For the casual outing, Taylor wore a black off-the-shoulder top and jeans embellished with a diamond butterfly cut-out — which, E! News points out, can be perceived as a symbol for “rebirth.”

Taylor still has not commented on her split from Joe, which Entertainment Tonight announced on April 8. The outlet cited an insider who claimed that the break up was “not dramatic” and “the relationship had just run its course,” while People quoted another source who said that they “weren’t the right fit for one another.”

April 8, 2023: Taylor and Joe Have Reportedly Broken Up

It’s the end of an era. On Saturday, April 8, Entertainment Tonight reported that Taylor and Joe quietly split a few weeks ago. The couple was together for six years. Not too much is known about the breakup, but one insider told the outlet that it was “not dramatic” and “the relationship had just run its course.”

“It’s why [Alwyn] hasn’t been spotted at any shows,” the source added.

At this time, neither Taylor nor Joe have commented publicly on the split. 💔

March 22, 2023: Taylor and Joe Are “Great Together” As Eras Tour Begins

Taylor has officially kicked off her HIGHLY-anticipated Eras Tour, and although she’ll be on the road from now until August 9, one source tells People that she and Joe are better than ever.

“She has rehearsed for months and was ready. She is in amazing shape,” the insider revealed. “She loves connecting with her fans again,” they shared, adding that Taylor is “thrilled to have kicked off” her sixth (!) headlining concert tour.

Will Joe be in the audience of any shows? According to the source, “Joe will travel with her when he can.”

“They are great together,” they continued. “Joe is super supportive of her career.” We love to see it 🥹. (But, um, if he can’t make a show, is he willing to give up his extra ticket? Asking for a friend.)

January 30, 2023: Joe Posts a Photo of Taylor's Cat, Meredith, on Instagram Stories

Following the release of Taylor's highly-anticipated "Lavender Haze" music video, Joe posted a subtle nod to their private life together on his Instagram Stories. The Conversations With Friends actor snapped a pic of Taylor's cat, Meredith, under a desk in what looks like their home. There was no caption or context to the post, but it was sandwiched in between other pics from his life as of late.

October 21, 2022: Taylor Releases Midnights, Which Features Songs Written With Joe About Their Romance

The wait is officially over — Taylor's tenth studio album, Midnights, is finally here, and naturally, there are songs about her longtime love, Joe Alwyn. On "Mastermind," Taylor seems to give an honest recount of her first meeting with Joe at the 2016 Met Gala. "What if I told you none of it was accidental / And the first night that you saw me, I knew I wanted your body? / I laid the groundwork and then, just like clockwork / The dominoes cascading in the line," she sings on the Midnights track.

On track one, "Lavender Haze," Taylor also coyly responds to the ongoing engagement rumors with lyrics like "All they keep asking me (all they keep asking me) / Is if I’m gonna be your bride / The only kind of girl they see (The only kind of girl they see) / Is a one night or a wife." She also addresses how Joe doesn't pay any mind to mentions of her past public relationships and how she won't be confined to the "1950s sh*t" the public expects from her. On past albums, Taylor details her otherwise private relationship with Joe on tracks like "Gorgeous," "Dress," and "Invisible String."

And, speaking of past albums, William Bowery — a.k.a Joe's songwriting pseudonym — makes another appearance on Midnights' "Sweet Nothing." He co-wrote the song with Taylor, who recounts the public scrutiny and hate she received during the #Kimye drama that occurred early on in their relationship. She sings, "I found myself running home to your sweet nothings / I'll take their pushin’, shovin’ / You’re in the kitchen humming / All that you ever wanted from me was nothing." One fan on Reddit puts it best: the track captures "things being so crazy but being able to go home and just exist and be able to be vulnerable with someone you trust."

October 17, 2022: Taylor and Joe Had a Rare Outing in NYC Ahead of Midnights Album Release

It's no mystery that Taylor and Joe usually keep their romance under wraps, but they had a rare outing a few days before her tenth studio album, Midnights, hits streaming services later this week. Per images obtained by TMZ, Taylor and Joe looked cozy as they were furniture shopping in New York City. A delivery man had carried chairs the couple allegedly ordered and loaded them into a truck.

Tay's blonde tresses rested on her torso while she wore a black crewneck, plaid skirt, and sheer black tights. Joe, on the other hand, sported black-framed eyeglasses with a forest green sweater and light-wash blue jeans. The couple's outfits are chic and comfy as they perfectly emulate the dark academia aesthetic that's taken over TikTok and Pinterest.

October 6, 2022: Taylor Opens Up About Her Six-Year Relationship with Joe

Taylor and Joe are notoriously private when it comes to discussing their relationship in the press, but the songstress recently decided to let fans in on her love life via her upcoming Midnights album. In an Instagram video posted on October 6, Taylor revealed that the first song on her album, "Lavender Haze" is about her feelings for Joe and what it has been like protecting that relationship.

“Lavender Haze is track 1 on Midnights,” she started. “I happened upon the phrase 'lavender haze' when I was watching Mad Men. I looked it up because I thought it sounded cool. And it turns out that it’s a common phrase used in the ’50s where they would describe being in love. If you're in the ‘lavender haze,’ then that meant you were in that all-encompassing love glow. And I thought that was really beautiful.”

“I guess, theoretically, when you’re in the ‘lavender haze,’ you’ll do anything to stay there,” she continued. “And not let people bring you down off of that cloud. I think that a lot of people have to deal with this now, not just like ‘public figures,’ because we live in the era of social media, and if the world finds out if you’re in love with somebody they’re going to weigh in on it. Like my relationship for six years, we’ve had to dodge weird rumors, tabloid stuff, and we just ignore it. So this song is about the act of ignoring that stuff to protect the real stuff.”

Watch the full video here:

August 29, 2022: Taylor and Joe Run From the VMAs Paparazzi

The lengths that Taylor will go to in order to protect her privacy includes dashing (and we truly mean dashing) out the door in high heels, hand-in-hand with Joe Alwyn. Twitter user @TheSwiftSociety posted a clip of the couple making a run for it while leaving the VMAs afterparty together in order to escape from paparazzi, sprinting straight into a ✨ getaway car ✨.

After much speculation about whether or not Taylor would attend the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards (she did) and whether it would be where Taylor and Joe made their red carpet debut (it was not), it makes sense that the couple wanted to keep their attendance under the radar. A little bit of cardio never hurt anybody 🤷

August 2022: Taylor and Joe Go on Vacation Together

Heading off to the Bahamas for a romantic getaway? Yes, please. Taylor and Joe were photographed making out and packing on the PDA in crystal blue water. Engaged or not, the couple looked as happy as ever.

May 2022: Joe Explains the Reasoning Behind "William Bowery"

The actor appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and shared why he and Taylor decided to not put his name directly on the Evermore and Folklore songwriting credits. “We chose to do it so the people, first and foremost, would listen to the music first before dissecting the fact that we did it together,” he said.

The name itself was a purposeful decision as well. “It was a combination of William, my great-grandfather — who I actually never met — [who] was a composer. He wrote a lot of classical music and he wrote a lot of film scores. And then Bowery is the area in New York that I spent a lot of time in when I first went over there. So, stick ’em together.”

April 2022: Joe Is Tight-Lipped About Engagement Rumors

Joe spoke to WSJ Magazine for an interview where he good-naturedly refused to answer the engagement rumors and speculation surrounding his relationship with Taylor. "If I had a pound for every time I think I've been told I've been engaged, then I'd have a lot of pound coins," he laughed, saying, "I mean, the truth is, if the answer was yes, I wouldn't say, and if the answer was no, I wouldn't say."

Joe also told ELLE UK, "It's not really [because I] want to be guarded and private, it's more a response to something else. We live in a culture that is so increasingly intrusive… The more you give—and frankly, even if you don't give it—something will be taken.”

September 2021: Taylor Visits Joe in Ireland

Joe spent time in Belfast, Ireland, to film the Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends and Taylor crossed the pond to visit him. Shu Restaurant posted selfies that their staff took with Taylor, captioning the post, "On Thursday evening we had the pleasure of serving Taylor Swift! 🤭 Taylor was so lovely and really is a beautiful person inside and out and she kindly agreed to get photos with all our staff!"

May 20, 2021: Marriage Rumors Continue to Surround the Couple

A source spoke to Entertainment Tonight, revealing that Taylor could really see herself marrying Joe. “They grew closer than ever during the quarantine and she really trusts him,” explained the source. “They’ve been continuing to be pretty low-key about their relationship to the outside world to continue to protect it…They’ve discussed future plans and Taylor can see herself marrying Joe one day.”

March 14, 2021: Taylor and Joe Win a Grammy Award Together

What's that saying? Couples who win Grammy Awards together, stay together? The pair took home the Album of the Year award. Taylor accepted the award by herself, but made sure to give him an adorable shoutout in her acceptance speech. "Joe is the first person that I play every single song that I write, and I had the best time writing songs with you in quarantine," she gushed.

December 11, 2020: Evermore Is Released

William Bowery, who we now know is Joe, is listed in the credits for "evermore," "champagne problems," and "coney island."

November, 2020: Taylor Shares That "Peace" Is About Joe, Who Co-Wrote 2 Folklore Songs

"Your integrity makes me seem small / You paint dreamscapes on the wall," sings Taylor in the Folklore song "Peace." The artist revealed to Paul McCartney in an article for Rolling Stone that the song was inspired by her romance with Joe. "I have definitely made decisions that have made my life feel more like a real life and less like just a storyline to be commented on in tabloids, whether that’s deciding where to live, who to hang out with, when to not take a picture—the idea of privacy feels so strange to try to explain, but it’s really just trying to find bits of normalcy. That’s what that song 'Peace' is talking about.”

Taylor also confirmed that Joe had helped her with the songwriting process in the Disney+ film folklore: the long pond studio sessions. "There’s been a lot of discussion about William Bowery and his identity because it’s not a real person. So, William Bowery is Joe, as we know."

Although Taylor had hesitations about bringing Joe into her work life, the two tried it out anyways after Taylor expressed, "Hey, this could be really weird, and we could hate this, so because we're in quarantine and there’s nothing else going on, could we just try to see what it's like if we write this song together?"

July 24, 2020: Folklore Is Released, Fans Analyze Lyrics for Hints

Taylor dropped her eighth studio album during the summer of 2020. Fans questioned whether the couple had broken up after listening to the song "the 1," when Taylor sang, "but it would've been fun if you would've been the one." Other fans speculated that Joe co-wrote two songs on the album under the pseudonym William Bowery when they couldn't find a songwriter who went by that name on social media.

April 29, 2020: Taylor and Joe Quarantine Together

Joe revealed that he was holing up with Taylor (and her cats) when he posted a photo of her cat on his Instagram story in the middle of quarantine.

February 12, 2020: Taylor Wins at the NME Awards

Taylor and Joe attended the NME Awards together, where Taylor won Best Solo Act in the World. @Sophklore posted an adorable video on Twitter of the couple embracing each other tightly at their table when it was announced that Taylor won.

January 31, 2020: Miss Americana Is Released with New Footage of Taylor and Joe

Taylor's documentary Miss Americana was released in 2020, a film following several years of her career as a singer-songwriter. Along with offering fans a glimpse into her life, the documentary also included precious footage of Taylor and Joe cuddling backstage and taking car rides together.

Taylor shared what it was like to go through her Snapchat drama with Kim Kardashian, saying, “I felt sort of like a wounded animal lashing out. I figured I had to reset everything. I had to reconstruct an entire belief system for my own personal sanity. I also was falling in love with someone who had a wonderfully normal, balanced life.” We wonder who that special someone might be...

December 2019: Taylor and Joe Spend the Holidays Together

E! reported that Taylor jetted off to London to spend her Christmas holiday with Joe and his family, before the couple headed to an island getaway to ring in the New Year together.

The two didn't confirm their vacation, but someone else did! Matthew Crane wrote on Instagram, "So I can now finally reveal who I sung to on New Year’s Eve in the Maldives, probably the most notable Pop Star at the moment, the one and only @taylorswift and @joe.alwyn. They were both so friendly and kind to me when I performed, they even gave me a standing ovation and complimented on my voice. It was truly an honor and an experience that I will never forget. 🎤🎶”

December 16, 2019: Taylor Swift Attends the Cats Premiere

And Joe Alwyn was in attendance to support his girlfriend, but Taylor walked the red carpet alone. She stunned in a red Oscar de la Renta dress and matching lipstick, owning the entire carpet by herself.

Days later, Joe told The Sunday Times that he finds it "flattering" to be the subject of Taylor's songwriting. He also explained, "I don't have any interest in tabloids. I know what I want to do, and that's this, and that's what I am doing."

September 2019: The Couple Makes Another Rare Appearance

Taylor and Joe were photographed leaving Zuma for Taylor's Saturday Night Live afterparty, walking hand-in-hand. Joe wore a simple grey top and jeans while Taylor wore an oversized blazer and glittering pants, along with her signature red lipstick.

August 2019: Lover Is Released and Taylor Says Her Relationship "Isn't Up for Discussion"

Lover is Taylor's first album that directly addressed her relationship with Joe, and in true Swiftie form, the entire Internet started coming up with theories about what the various songs mean. "Paper Rings" sparked discussion thanks to the marriage-related lyrics, and some fans even believed that Taylor and Joe had already secretly gotten married.

But Taylor explained in an interview with The Guardian, "I've learned that if I do, people think it's up for discussion, and our relationship isn't up for discussion. If you and I were having a glass of wine right now, we'd be talking about it — but it's just that it goes out into the world." Taylor continued, "That's where the boundary is, and that's where my life has become manageable. I really want to keep it feeling manageable."

May 2019: Taylor and Joe Look Loved-Up in Paris and in Hollywood

Très romantique! Taylor and Joe ate breakfast at famous restaurant Café de Flore in Paris before talking a walk hand-in-hand through the City of Love. A few weeks later, the two went on a double date with Robert Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse at San Vicente Bungalows in Hollywood.

January – February 2019: Taylor and Joe Support Each Other at Awards Shows

While they did not walk any red carpets together, the couple both attended the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes. Taylor (looking like Cinderella) and Joe were spotted together at the BAFTAs afterparty, walking hand-in-hand. Subtle!

November 23, 2018: Taylor Tags Joe on Social Media

This is the first time that Taylor acknowledged Joe's existence, at least on Instagram. The singer posted the trailer for The Favourite, a movie that Joe acted in. "The Favourite is absolutely phenomenal, and it opens in NY and LA tomorrow— Swipe to see cities and dates!" wrote Taylor, tagging Joe along with Nicholas Hoult and The Favourite's official account.

September 2018: Joe Talks to British Vogue About Taylor

And when we say he talked to British Vogue about Taylor, we really mean that he mentioned how he's planning on keeping his lips sealed about Taylor. "I’m aware people want to know about that side of things,” he explained. “I think we have been successfully very private, and that has now sunk in for people.”

July 2018: The Couple Vacations Together in Turks and Caicos

Taylor took a break from her Reputation tour to travel to Turks and Caicos for some much-needed R&R with her man. The two were spotted swimming together in the gorgeous blue waters, and a source described them as "lovey-dovey."

The two made another public appearance together in London on their way to a restaurant for date night, keeping their heads down and walking hand-in-hand into Hawksmoor steak restaurant.

May 8, 2018: Taylor and Joe Go Instagram Official (Well, Sort Of)

Taylor and Joe made things official on social media! The couple didn't post a photo together, per se, but they did post identical photos of themselves in the exact same spot next to a cactus. It's practically a photo of the two of them, right?

December 8, 2017: Joe Supports Taylor at Jingle Ball

It's a holiday romance! Joe and Taylor were spotted walking hand-in-hand on their way to Madison Square Garden in NYC for Taylor's Jingle Ball performance. Fans excitedly took to Twitter to post videos of the couple swaying and dancing with each other while Ed Sheeran performed his hit song "Perfect." A source told People, “Taylor was in the best mood. Joe stayed for the whole show and they later left together as well. They are staying at Taylor’s N.Y.C. apartment.”

May 16, 2017: The Sun Reports Taylor and Joe are Dating

A source told The Sun, “Taylor and Joe are the real deal, this is a very serious relationship. But after what happened with Tom Hiddleston, they were determined to keep it quiet.”

Taylor Swift released a deluxe version of Lover that came with personal diary entries relevant to her songs, including one reported by People that read, "I'm essentially based in London, hiding out trying to protect us from the nasty world that just wants to ruin things. We have been together and no one has found out for 3 months now." The timeline does line up to confirm that Taylor was writing about Joe.

May 2, 2016: Taylor and Joe Meet

While we don't have official confirmation about where Taylor and Joe officially first met or how they got together, the lyrics to "Dress" by Taylor Swift have fans assuming that the two met at the 2016 Met Gala. “Flashback to when you met me, your buzzed cut and my hair bleached," sang Taylor, referencing her bleach blonde hair that she sported at the event.

The "Paper Rings" lyrics "Went home and tried to stalk you on the Internet" had fans using some non-traditional methods to confirm their theories that Taylor and Joe met on the first Monday of May. One Swiftie even went so far as to check Google Trends to see if there was any evidence of Taylor's Google search and found a hilarious spike in his stats around May 2016.