David Harbour’s ex Lily Allen claims she was emotionally abused by former partner

Lily Allen says an ex accused her of smelling bad as a form of bullying and control, calling it “emotional abuse.”

British singer Lily Allen has revealed that a former partner used repeated hygiene-related insults as a form of emotional abuse.

Speaking on the July 2025 episode of her Miss Me? podcast with Miquita Oliver, Allen said the behavior made her feel “self-conscious” and was a clear tactic to assert control.

In response to a listener question, Allen recalled, “An ex used to constantly say I smelled bad, and when I asked other people if it was true, they said no. I think it was a form of bullying.”

She continued, “It was done on purpose to make me feel s--- about myself and to make them feel powerful.”

Allen, who recently confirmed her separation from Stranger Things actor David Harbour, did not clarify whether the comments were made by him or another past partner. However, the timing of the podcast remarks has sparked speculation among fans online.

The singer also described the ex as hypocritical: “When I first met them, there were actual skid marks on their bed,” she said. “They had the audacity to tell me to brush my teeth—no, honey!”

Podcast co-host Miquita Oliver called the behavior “a horrible form of abuse,” and emphasized how such remarks can be used to manipulate and diminish someone’s self-worth.

Allen has frequently used her platform to speak on mental health, relationships, and identity, drawing on personal experiences. The Miss Me? podcast, produced by BBC Sounds, has grown in popularity for its candid discussions and emotional honesty.

The singer has not publicly named the partner referenced, and David Harbour has not responded to the episode.