David Harbour says ex-wife Lily Allen’s break-up album was ‘weird’ and denies her version of events saying ‘it wasn’t my experience’ as he reveals he had a breakdown last year amid ongoing mental health issues

David Harbor has finally made up his mind about ex-wife Lily Allen’s breakup album.

To talk DiversityThe Stranger Things actor described his critically acclaimed album West End Girl as ‘weird’;

The album, which features lyrics about extramarital activity and emotional manipulation, aims to tell the story of her breakup with Harbor with some artistic license, but she doesn’t see it that way.

He said: ‘It was strange. I believe it is every artist’s privilege to use their experiences to create art, and I respect him for doing so. I can’t say more because this is my private life.

‘Although many people do not allow my private life, I value it. I also value the lives of the people I interact with privately. I won’t talk about it.

‘Stories are complex and that’s why I say I respect the artwork he created to channel his experience. That wasn’t my experience.”

She and David met at Raya and married in Vegas in 2020, but they legally separated in early 2025 after four years of marriage, with divorce filings following shortly after.

Lily emphasized that her 14-track album, which she wrote in 10 days last December, consisted of a “mixture of fact and fiction” and stated that fans should not take the lyrics and meanings of the songs as “good news”.

Most notably, hit film Madeline saw Lily accuse David of having a three-year affair with a younger costume designer, as Lily appeared to suggest the couple had a clear agreement about sex as long as it was separate and not based on emotional attachment.

Meanwhile, in the song Tennis, Lily uses the racquet sport as a metaphor for sex, singing: ‘I read your message and now I regret it.

‘I can’t understand how you play tennis/ If it was just sex I wouldn’t be jealous. You won’t play with me and who is Madeline?’

The song ends with an outro repeating: “Da, da-da, da-da, who’s Madeline?” (Who is Madeline?)’ before ending with: ‘No, but actually who is Madeline?’

Lily and David met at Raya and got married in Vegas in 2020, but They legally separated in early 2025 after four years of marriage, with divorce filings following shortly after.

West End Girl explores the emotional effects of breakup. Before marrying Harbour, Lily was married to builder Sam Cooper from 2011 until their divorce in 2018.

David revealed he had a breakdown late last year and has been incredibly open about his bipolar disorder in the past.

He said: ‘I had a breakdown. I’m suffering from some confusing things – it’s very confusing. I think a lot of people have a friend, sibling, or co-worker who deals with their mental health, and they’re probably pretty confused when that person gets depressed, manic, or has a breakdown.

‘In times of extreme stress this can lead to slightly erratic behavior and that’s embarrassing and I’m ashamed of it. This is not something I chose and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

‘I think for some of us our abilities are inextricably linked to our illnesses. Having a nervous system that responds to the world so sensitively can allow me to have that moment on the swings with Jason that I love so much. [Bateman in “DTF St. Louis]. But it can also force me to act a little strangely in times of extreme stress.’

He said: ‘It was strange. I believe it is every artist’s privilege to use their experiences to create art, and I respect him for doing so. I can’t say more because this is my private life.’

David revealed he had a breakdown late last year and has been incredibly open about his bipolar disorder in the past.

He said: ‘I had a breakdown. I’m suffering from some confusing things – it’s very confusing. ‘I think a lot of people have a friend, brother or colleague who deals with their mental health, and they’re probably quite confused when that person gets depressed, manic or has a breakdown.’

He said he did the best he could, detailing public opinion following Lily’s album.

He said: ‘You can love me, you can dislike me, you can shout about me – whatever I mean to you. But in the midst of all the difficulties, I will try to put my best foot forward and put things forward.’

Meanwhile, in November, The Daily mail revealed that Millie Bobby Brown had made allegations of harassment and bullying against David following his behavior on the set of Stranger Things.

Speaking to the headlines, David emphasized that the two talked about the issue in detail and that they now get along very well.

He explained: ‘This has been a show that’s been going on for 10 years. We worked together as father and daughter for 10 years during her early teenage years.

‘I don’t know if people have family and friends that you spend a lot of time with over 10 years; You occasionally get into arguments and disagreements. In families, this is okay because you have a disagreement and then you get back together.

‘The problem with a billion-dollar show is that there are only hundreds of people who want to attend.’

He continued: ‘It’s very simple. It was just a simple break and fix thing, once we get everyone out of the way and talk to each other, we’re fine.

‘Everyone is too afraid to talk about things these days. People are very afraid of being human. This is unfortunate because I don’t know how to navigate this strange world of media. But it was totally normal and we adore each other and always have.’

Despite Stranger Things ending, David hinted that the pair have plans to continue working together.

‘To be honest, Millie and I are working on a few projects… You’ll be seeing more of me and Millie – 10 years wasn’t enough. There is a special bond there. I love it. ‘He loves me.’