ESSICA BROWN
HARRY Styles’s affair with Taylor Swift was the biggest showbiz romance of the last 12 months.
But it all turned sour and the pair split in January, with country songbird Taylor, 23, penning a bitter song about the break-up.
Harry’s LA tattooist and confidant Freddy Negrete has a very different take on the doomed relationship, however. He believes they were never in love.
Freddy, 56, who has spent hours tattooing the One Direction star, 19, in his Hollywood studio, even hints their fling could have been a publicity stunt.
In an exclusive interview he said: “Harry and Taylor didn’t seem in love at all. There wasn’t a sparkle in Harry’s eye. They were kind and respectful to each other but didn’t have stars in their eyes. “They seemed more like friends. Harry wasn’t in love nd it wasn’t serious for him. They weren’t romantic at l. He was just casual – they weren’t staring into each her’s eyes. Taylor came towards the end of his ship ttoo and sat with him t there was nothing agical going on.” Harry’s romance with singer Taylor hit the dlines in December. he pop superstars were eparable during two s to New York, a weekmeeting his family in Lake District and a antic break in the bbean. their fling soon turned a frenzy as they were d by fans, crowds and azzi. ddy has tattooed many celebrities at Mark ney’s Shamrock Social
tattoo parlour on t Boulevard in Los es. as won awards for his gs and has an impreslist of famous clients, ding Russell Brand, 37, Gaga, 26, Mel B, 37, Frankie Sandford, 24, he Saturdays. s most recent work on ry was the galleon on arm, which Freddy ked on while the One ection star was dating lor. he attended sessions h Harry at the parlour, Freddy says she had influence on the ign. e added: “Harry’s ship nothing to do with the
in Taylor’s music o – he didn’t even know that. only chose it after he . howed him a book of gs of English ships, a famous painter. anted a realistic look- ing English ship, because he misses home and needs to remind himself that he’s homeward bound.
“What he said was: ‘We’re always on the road but my heart is at home and I want a ship.’”
Freddy, who learned to tattoo while he was in prison, is known for his pioneering black-and-grey style.
Harry had his first-ever tattoo done by Freddy, followed by a further six more.
The tattooist continued: “Harry’s got tattoo fever now. If you get a tattoo and you like it you want more – it happens to a lot of people. He wanted Hebrew lettering and came in with his sister’s name written out.
“When I told him I was Jewish he was thrilled and said it was very fitting and the right guy was doing it.
“I like doing his tattoos. It’s always fun. We have a great time.
“He talks right through his tattooing. He’s witty and I like that. He’s got good English humour.
“Usually whatever he says, its something funny. He sits really well through the tattoos. The pain doesn’t bother him. He gets tattoos in the most painful spots. He’s got a lot on the inside of his arm, while the ribs are really painful and he’s got a lot there.
“I did his very first tattoo, the star on the inside of his arm, and whenever they’re in town he comes here.
“You can never have too many tattoos and I think Harry feels the same way. I like the ship the best. I think he was pretty happy with that one.”
The Shamrock has been open for 12 years and is the most famous tattoo parlour in Los Angeles.
David Beckham, 37, is another customer and Johnny Depp, 49, Rihanna, 25, and Cheryl Cole, 29, have had tattoos there.
Owner Mark Mahoney has even inked Angelina Jolie, 37, and Brad Pitt, 49.
Harry looks set to return, but without gorgeous Taylor. They are never, ever getting back together. And perhaps they never truly were.