After Fan Theories Linked Taylor Swift's New Album With Ex Joe Alwyn's "Tortured Man Club" Group Chat, Group Member Andrew Scott Reacted

After Fan Theories Linked Taylor Swift's New Album With Ex Joe Alwyn's "Tortured Man Club" Group Chat, Group Member Andrew Scott Reacted
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Andrew Scott reacted to Taylor Swift's new album after some compared the title to his former WhatsApp group with Taylor's ex.

Andrew Scott poses in a sleeveless black vest over a mesh shirt, accessorized with gold necklaces and rings, against a backdrop of lush greenery
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For context, in 2022, Paul Mescal and Joe Alwyn revealed that Andrew started a group chat between them called "Tortured Man Club." Paul later joked, "He's just on it every day. He's just on it by himself."

Closeup of Joe Alwyn
Closeup of Joe Alwyn
Paul Mescal in a black shirt and pants at an outdoor event, standing with hands clasped
Paul Mescal in a black shirt and pants at an outdoor event, standing with hands clasped

Lionel Hahn / Getty Images, Eamonn M. Mccormack / Getty Images for Gucci

When Taylor announced the name of her 11th studio album — The Tortured Poets Department — some noted the similarities between the title and the name of the viral chat. Now that the album is out, it appears the titular song is not directly about Joe, though the word "tortured" is evoked throughout the record.

Taylor Swift poses on the red carpet in a strapless, floor-length white gown with a thigh-high slit, accessorized with long black gloves and black heels

“Taylor’s new album is sensational! I texted her yesterday to say how amazing it is," Andrew said in a recent interview with Variety.

Andrew Scott in an all-white suit poses on the red carpet at the Golden Globes against a floral backdrop
Amy Sussman / Getty Images

"I think she is just a force of nature, just an extraordinary human, and this album is really, really amazing," he continued, adding that “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived" is his favorite song.

Taylor Swift performs passionately on stage, wearing a white dress with text and white boots, holding a microphone, and kneeling toward her audience
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Andrew then explained that the "Tortured Man Club" began to introduce Paul, who starred in Sally Rooney’s Normal People adaptation, to Joe, who was then about to appear in Conversations with Friends. He stressed that the name was nothing personal, adding, "So they were about to play these tortured characters, and I had played a tortured character in Fleabag. It wasn’t about our own characteristics!"

Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott smiling and embracing at an event, Andrew holding a drink

Andrew and Joe appeared in Catherine Called Birdy together.

Dave Benett / Dave Benett / Getty Images for Netflix

Afterwards, Andrew reiterated that the chat quickly died out: “I think there were three texts, like, ‘Hey, guys.’ You know those groups that you set up, and they just collapse.”

Joe Alwyn and Andrew Scott smiling and talking in a formal setting, wearing suits while surrounded by other guests
Jamie Simonds / BAFTA via Getty Images

You can read the full interview here.