Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Lily Allen

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Lily Allen.

Lily Allen is an English singer, songwriter, and actress known for her outspoken lyrics and pop music. She gained prominence in the mid-2000s through her MySpace presence and debut album, *Alright, Still*. Allen's music often blends pop sensibilities with ska, reggae, and electronic influences, addressing social and personal issues. She has achieved critical acclaim and commercial success with albums like *It's Not Me, It's You* and *Sheezus*. Beyond music, Allen has also ventured into acting and has been recognized with awards and nominations, including a Brit Award and Grammy nomination.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 2007: Allen Arrested for Alleged Assault

On 28 June 2007, Lily Allen was arrested in London for allegedly assaulting photographer Kevin Rush while leaving a nightclub in London's West End. Prior to this, she had expressed discomfort with attention from the paparazzi on her Myspace blog.

2008: Gray First Made Contact

In 2008, Alex Gray made first contact with Lily Allen via a tweet claiming he wrote the song "The Fear" under the Twitter handle "@lilyallenisRIP".

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May 2009: Magazine Publishes Fake Interview

In May 2009, French football magazine So Foot published a fake interview in which Lily Allen was quoted as making derogatory remarks about David and Victoria Beckham and Ashley and Cheryl Cole. Some of the material was reprinted in The Sun. Both publications apologized and paid damages to Allen.

October 2009: Allen Releases Digital Petition; Deletes Social Media

In October 2009, Lily Allen released the world's first digital musical petition with other musicians, aimed at pressuring world leaders at the climate change summit in Copenhagen. The petition included a cover of the song "Beds Are Burning". Additionally, after creating her career on Myspace, Allen deleted her social media accounts, announcing "I am now a neo-luddite."

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November 2013: Release of "Somewhere Only We Know" and "Hard Out Here"

In November 2013, Lily Allen released a cover of Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know" and premiered the video for her new song "Hard Out Here", facing accusations of racism for the latter's music video.

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2014: Allen Pays for Sex with Female Escorts

In 2014, Lily Allen paid for sex with female escorts while married to Sam Cooper and on tour promoting her album Sheezus. These details were later revealed in her book and on social media, linking the events to her personal struggles during that period.

October 2015: Stalker Sends Email and Intrude

In October 2015, Lily Allen's stalker sent an email to his mother, stating he was planning on murdering a celebrity. He spent nights in her back garden, broke into her bedroom, and ultimately forced Allen to move.

April 2016: Gray Convicted of Burglary and Harassment

In April 2016, Alex Gray, Lily Allen's stalker, was convicted of burglary and harassment. He was later sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.

November 2016: Apology for "Hard Out Here" video

In November 2016, Lily Allen apologized for the "Hard Out Here" video, acknowledging her assumptions about feminism.

June 2017: Allen Discusses Grenfell Tower Fire on Channel 4 News

On 15 June 2017, Lily Allen appeared on Channel 4 News to discuss the Grenfell Tower fire, claiming that "the death count has been downplayed by the mainstream media" and disputing the official figure. The official death toll is now 72.

September 2018: Lily Allen Reveals Paying for Sex with Female Escorts

In September 2018, Lily Allen disclosed on Instagram that she had paid for sex with female escorts in 2014 while married and touring to promote her album Sheezus. She explained that she preempted a Daily Mail article by sharing these details, linking the events to her postnatal depression and marriage breakdown, stating she was "not proud, but not ashamed."

2018: Revealing Abortion and Faking Miscarriage

In her 2018 memoir "My Thoughts Exactly", Lily Allen revealed that she had an abortion but "fake[d]" the miscarriage in 2008 due to fears over tabloid reporting.

2022: Glastonbury Performance with Olivia Rodrigo

At the Glastonbury Festival in 2022, Lily Allen appeared during Olivia Rodrigo's set to perform "Fuck You" in protest of the Supreme Court's abortion ruling.

December 2024: Separation Allegations

In December 2024, newspapers alleged that Lily Allen and David Harbour had separated after Allen's dating profile was reportedly spotted on Raya—but these allegations have not yet been confirmed by the couple.