EXCLUSIVEJake Gyllenhaal Says Taylor Swift Fling 'Got Overwhelming'
March 5 2022, Published 12:03 a.m. ET
When it comes to his complicated history with ex Taylor Swift — and her loyal fan base — a source says Jake Gyllenhaal insists he's not the bad guy, he's the victim.
The actor, 41, has been targeted by Swifties ever since the singer, 32, dropped a scathing 10-minute version of All Too Well (believed to be inspired by their brief 2010 relationship) last November.
Gyllenhaal opened up about the scrutiny he’s faced in a recent interview, reasoning the song had “nothing to do with me” and was just Swift’s “expression”— but he noted artists should “not allow for cyberbullying in one's name."
Though Gyllenhaal — who was 29 when he dated a 20-year-old Swift — had stayed mum on the drama for years, the source tells OK! he chose to break his silence after she rereleased the 2012 song with the lyrics, "I'll get older but your lovers stay my age."
The Donnie Darko star began dating model Jeanne Cadieu, 26, in 2018, and the pair have roughly a 15-year age gap in between them.
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The dig came as a shock to an “extremely private” Gyllenhaal, shares the source, who says he was forced to address their fling to his concerned inner circle following Swift's pointed lyrics. “He says they had a strong connection, but it got overwhelming,” adds the source. “There’s no bad blood on Jake’s part."
The singer’s 2021 short film All Too Well (starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien) follows a couple’s ill-fated romance, reminiscent of Swift and Gyllenhaal's.
Despite their split being thrust back into the headlines, the source insists Gyllenhaal is a fan of the Grammy winner — and even downloaded Red (Taylor’s Version): “He said it brings him good memories," the insider says.
And now he’s hoping the singer will cease fire once and forall, given reports that she’s engaged to her boyfriend of five years, Joe Alwyn.
“Jake’s told everyone that he wants to let bygones be bygones,” explains the source, adding that the actor wishes Swift nothing but the best. “He’s happy that she’s doing so well — and has found love again.”
