Joe Alwyn has shed light on how he handled the intense public focus on his relationship with Taylor Swift and the aftermath of their breakup.
In a candid interview with The Guardian, the actor shared his approach to staying grounded amidst the scrutiny and why he chooses to ignore external "noise."
Reflecting on his six-year romance with the global pop icon, Alwyn, 33, revealed that he always prioritized his personal values and inner circle over public perception.
"I've tried just to focus on controlling what I can control," he explained to The Guardian.
"Friends, family, work-those are the things that are meaningful for me."
"If you let all of that other stuff in, and it starts to affect you and your behavior, you're living from the outside in. And then you're pretty f**ked."
His strong support system of close friends and family has helped him remain 'tethered to the ground' throughout his time in the public eye.
When asked about whether he wants to move on from the public discourse surrounding his past relationship, Alwyn left nobody in any doubt of his position.
"That's something for other people to do. We're talking about something that's a while ago now in my life. So that's for other people," he concluded.
How did Alwyn navigate the split?
Alwyn and Swift began dating in 2016 but ended their relationship in April 2023, during Swift's Eras Tour. Sources described the split as amicable, noting that their relationship had 'run its course.'
In a June 2024 interview with The Times, Alwyn reflected on the challenges of the breakup.
"I would hope that anyone and everyone can empathize and understand the difficulties that come with the end of a long, loving, fully committed relationship of over six and a half years," he said.
He also acknowledged the unique challenges of such a high-profile split.
"There is always going to be a gap between what is known and what is said. I have made my peace with that."