Azealia Banks Slams Taylor Swift and Matty Healy’s Alleged Relationship Calling The 1975 Singer a ‘Lame Poser’

Rapper Azealia Banks has voiced her thoughts on the alleged relationship between Taylor Swift and the 1975 frontman Matty Healy. The controversial rapper posted a lengthy Instagram story touching upon Healy’s many controversies and accusing him of being an incel. The term “incel” refers to an internet phenomenon of young men who are “involuntarily celibate,” many of whom espouse harmful views about women.

Banks suggested in the statement that Swift collaborate with James Mercer from The Shins instead, claiming that he has a less problematic background and works within a similar musical genre. Throughout the series of Instagram stories, banks praised Swift for being “powerful”, and acknowledged that she worked “hella hard” to build her career.

Azealia Banks comments on Taylor Swift and Matty Healy’s rumored relationship:

“Taylor, this guy is gonna give you scabies. He’s not on the level of powerful puss u worked HELLA hard to build.” pic.twitter.com/7YqkKr6Y5V

— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 30, 2023

The rapper went on to further criticize Healy’s comments on “The Adam Friedland Show” about rapper Ice Spice, who recently collaborated with Taylor Swift on a “Karma” remix. In a recent profile for the New Yorker, Healy stated that the incident “actually doesn’t matter.”

Matty Healy addresses podcast controversy, says it “actually doesn’t matter” and that “you’re a bit mental” if you’re hurt by it:

“Nobody is sitting there at night slumped at their computer, and their boyfriend comes over and goes, ‘What’s wrong, darling?’ and they go, ‘It’s… pic.twitter.com/wxZDgNtRhc

— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 30, 2023

Azealia Banks blasts Matty Healy for podcast controversy:

“Does he know that black women are more coveted todays industry because there’s BIG BUSINESS in female rap… Matt Healy is one shared needle away from tetanus” pic.twitter.com/V5X2qydhrb

— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 30, 2023

Internet Reactions

Banks’ statements were met with a wide outpouring of support. Despite Banks’ own controversial past, many pop culture fanatics closely following the alleged relationship and musical collaboration between Healy and Swift were quick to agree with her. Healy has long referred to his controversies as a form of “performance art” that is intended to critique right-wing politics. However, many music listeners feel that his argument is irrelevant to his repeat offensive behavior towards several groups.

and she’s absolutely right

— Paul⁴ is #SingleSoon | BLM (@selenastan18) May 30, 2023

I gotta give it up, I don't know what you call this role she's settled into in public life but she's executing it at the highest level

— Jay Smooth (@jsmooth995) May 30, 2023

Healy apologized to Ice Spice live on stage during the 1975’s tour. Spice has not commented on Healy’s statements on her career. His newly published quotes in the New Yorker profile have some accusing him of issuing an insincere apology to the young rapper.

omg she’s spilling left and right today

— ☆ (@beysrep) May 30, 2023

Others found Banks’ detailed criticism of Healy humorous, and were surprised to learn that she was a fan of indie rock band The Shins.

Azealia Banks telling Taylor Swift to tap James Mercer from The Shins… just some un-fucking-believable stuff going on right now. Had to check on Instagram myself because I didn’t believe it was real. This is the first time I’ve cracked a genuine smile in months. https://t.co/SSFbXeVaDa

— The Real Michael Brooks (@nomichaelbrooks) May 30, 2023

While many agreed with what Banks had to say, Swifties and music fans alike remind the internet today that Banks has plenty of her own controversies.

Azealia Banks’ Controversies

The New York native rapper, known for her several hit tracks including “212”, has made plenty of her own questionable moves throughout her music career. Notably, Banks once exhumed her deceased pet cat for “taxidermy purposes”, and later alleged that she practiced witchcraft.

Additionally, Banks made xenophobic comments regarding Irish people. The Irish Times quoted her referring to Irish women as “oompa-loompa looking, spray-tanned, crazy-looking b****es tonight. The girls have scurvy, they’re vitamin deficient, need some calcium tablets.”

After this incident, Banks was banned from Twitter after slinging several racist slurs towards singer-songwriter Zayn Malik, who is half Pakistani. Given this background, some warn newer pop culture connoisseurs to take her comments on Matty Healy today with a grain of salt. Some were surprised that the rapper had a soft spot for Taylor Swift.