Tate McRae confirmed that her relationship with The Kid LAROI ended in June 2025, and described the public attention around their private lives as “really scary and overwhelming.” In a January 15, 2026, Rolling Stone Canada interview, she said outsiders do not know the full story and explained that songwriting is a way for both artists to express themselves.
What Tate McRae said about the breakup
Speaking with Rolling Stone Canada’s Angie Martoccio, McRae confirmed that the breakup happened in June. The interview’s passage gives the month but not the year; coverage places the split in 2025. Billboard Canada also reported the June timing.
McRae said it was “really scary and overwhelming” to have her private life become public. She added, “no one knows the full story of anything, ever,” and said she hated people “painting a situation that’s worse than it is.” Her remarks address the scrutiny and public narratives around the relationship; she did not explain why the couple split.
How she described the scrutiny and songwriting
McRae framed songwriting as part of the work both artists do, rather than as a definitive public account of their relationship. “What I’ve had to realize is that he’s going to write songs and I’m going to write songs, and that’s our way of expressing ourselves,” she told Rolling Stone Canada. “That’s our art, that’s our job. And once it’s out there, it’s not mine anymore.”
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Deluxe edition of Tate Mcrae's latest album...
- Includes collaborations with Flo Milli and The Kid LAROI...
- Explores themes of love and self-discovery...
- Features 21 tracks including bonus content...
- Released under Rca label...
That distinction matters when listeners interpret songs released after a public breakup: an artist’s work can invite speculation, but the existence of a song does not establish who or what inspired it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is “Tit for Tat” about The Kid LAROI?
It has been widely speculated that McRae’s “Tit for Tat” responded to The Kid LAROI’s “A Cold Play.” Rolling Stone Canada described that connection as speculation, and Billboard Canada has also covered theories linking the tracks. Neither report establishes that McRae confirmed the song was about him.
Rank #2
Rolling Stone Canada reported that “Tit for Tat” was among five new songs on the deluxe edition of McRae’s album SO CLOSE TO WHAT???. That release context does not prove the song’s subject or meaning. McRae’s remarks about both artists writing songs explain her view of songwriting, not the identity of a specific song’s inspiration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Tate McRae: Essential 3 Album Collection - So Close to What Deluxe, Think Later and I Used to Think I Could Fly - CD Set
What is confirmed—and what remains interpretation
- Confirmed by McRae: the breakup happened in June; she found the public scrutiny frightening and overwhelming; and she believes outsiders do not know the full story.
- Her stated view of songwriting: both artists write songs as a way to express themselves, and the work belongs to listeners once it is released.
- Not confirmed: that “Tit for Tat” was written about The Kid LAROI or was a direct response to “A Cold Play.” The reported connection remains speculation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
