David Harbor has finally mentioned Lily Allen’s searing album West End Girl. The album explores the breakup of their four-year marriage, suggesting that part of it was due to Lily Allen’s alleged infidelity.
In an interview with Variety magazine published Wednesday (June 10), Harbor candidly opened up about the “bizarre” experience of having her personal life dissected by strangers after the British pop singer’s LP dropped in October. According to the article, this exacerbated a “terrifying mental health emergency” caused by his struggles with bipolar disorder. “I believe it’s every artist’s privilege to use their experiences to create art, so I respect her for doing that,” the Stranger Things star began.
“I can’t say any more, because this is my private life. Despite the fact that many people don’t allow me a private life, I value it. And I also value the lives of the people I interact with personally. I just don’t talk about it…The story is complex. That’s why I say I respect her artistic creation to convey her experience. It wasn’t my experience.”
Through candid songs like “West End Girl” and “Madeline,” Allen tells the story of a relationship gone bad from start to finish. It begins when she was upset that her ex-husband won the lead role in a West End play and asked for an open relationship while he was acting overseas. She also described how her partner allegedly violated the terms of their agreement to date other people, calling him a “sex addict” on “Pussy Palace.”
The project garnered more critical acclaim than Allen had received in recent years, reaching No. 10 on the Top Album Sales chart. “Sensually, it’s like going through the motions,” the musician said in an October interview, noting that parts of the LP are “based on truth and parts are fantasy.” “At the time, I was really trying to process things, which is great in terms of the album, but now I don’t feel confused or angry. I don’t need revenge.”
The aftermath of West End Girl’s release seemed much different for Harbor, who revealed in a conversation with Variety that she “broke down” after its release. “I’m having some confusion. It’s confusing as hell,” he explained. “I think a lot of people have friends, siblings, colleagues who are dealing with mental health issues. If that person becomes depressed, manic or has an episode, it’s probably going to be quite confusing.”
“Under extreme stress, it can lead to somewhat erratic behavior, and that’s embarrassing, and I’m ashamed of it,” he continued. “It’s not something I would have chosen, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. And in moments of extreme stress, I can be forced to act a little strange.”
Harbor said reports that Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown filed a report of harassment and bullying against him on the set of Season 5, which surfaced shortly after he left West End Girl, are exaggerated. “It was just a simple break and repair,” he explained of what happened to the young actress. “Once we get everyone out of the way and talk to each other, we’re good to go.”
“You’re going to see more of me and Millie. 10 years wasn’t enough,” he also hinted. “There’s a special bond there. I love her and she loves me.”
Allen and Harbor met on the dating app Raya and married in 2020. News of their separation broke in February 2025, shortly after the singer revealed to podcast listeners that he was struggling with mental health and an eating disorder.
She is now in much better shape and is touring in support of West End Girl in March. She will continue her journey throughout the summer and fall, with the final day set for November 1st in Perth, Australia.
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