Paul Mescal Reflects on Grief and Breakup with Phoebe Bridgers Amid Personal Struggles

In a recent interview, Paul Mescal shared his thoughts on the emotional impact of his breakup with Phoebe Bridgers, shedding light on what he described as an “intense” chapter in his life. The couple was together for more than two years before their split in December, which was reportedly influenced by Phoebe’s growing closeness to comedian Bo Burnham.

From Fans to Lovers

The relationship between Paul and Phoebe blossomed in the public eye, captivating fans who witnessed their romance unfold almost in real-time. Paul first gained significant recognition in 2020 for his role in the BBC series Normal People, a show that also garnered attention from Phoebe. At the time, he was already a fervent admirer of her music, even sharing that she was his top artist on Spotify in 2019.

A Playful Connection

As they engaged with fans on social media, their flirtation became apparent. After Phoebe tweeted her feelings about the show, Paul humorously replied, leading to a playful exchange that hinted at their budding relationship.

Public Appearances and Private Lives

Although they made their red carpet debut as a couple in 2021, Paul and Phoebe largely kept their romance private. However, rumors of their engagement surfaced in late 2022, only to be followed by reports of their breakup shortly thereafter. Speculation swirled around the circumstances of their split, especially after Phoebe’s lyrics in SZA’s song “Ghost in the Machine” seemed to allude to a tumultuous argument in New York City.

Silence on Speculation

Neither Paul nor Phoebe publicly addressed the breakup at the time, despite the media frenzy surrounding their personal lives. Paul expressed frustration over the public’s expectations for him to share intimate details, stating that such scrutiny was both invasive and unkind.

Reflecting on Grief

In his latest interview with Esquire, Paul opened up about the emotional toll of his breakup. He recounted advice from his co-star Andrew Scott, who noted, “The only thing you’re left with after love is grief.” This statement resonated with Paul, who acknowledged that the latter half of the previous year was particularly challenging for him.

Personal Challenges

During this tumultuous period, Paul not only dealt with the end of his relationship but also faced significant personal challenges, including his mother’s cancer diagnosis and his own hospitalization for appendicitis. These experiences contributed to a heightened emotional state, leading to a panic attack while filming his latest project, All of Us Strangers.

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite these struggles, Paul’s professional life continues to flourish. With upcoming releases of both All of Us Strangers and Foe, as well as his much-anticipated role in Gladiator 2, he remains focused on his career while navigating the complexities of his personal life.