Natalie Tippett, the costume designer identified as the inspiration behind Lily Allen's track Madeline, has publicly rejected claims of a prolonged relationship with David Harbour.
In Instagram posts shared over the weekend, the 35-year-old New Orleans-based designer firmly disputed allegations that she conducted a three-year affair with the Stranger Things actor.
"I did not have a three year affair with anyone," she wrote. "I'm unsure why this person wants so badly to pit people against me or create this narrative that we both know is false based on the actual messages that I have saved between us."
Ms Tippett accused Ms Allen of using her private correspondence as song lyrics without permission, stating: "The same ones that have now been referenced in a song without my consent."
The controversy stems from Lily Allen's October release West End Girl, her first album since 2018, which chronicles the breakdown of her four-year marriage to Mr Harbour in unflinching detail
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The single mother described the emotional toll of being thrust into the spotlight, revealing she has been subjected to hateful messages and threats online.
"I'm not sure why any fixation landed on me, I don't weaponise women against women for the behaviour of men, especially not in an open relationship," she stated.
Ms Tippett expressed that she felt "extremely violated" by the portrayal and urged people to consider her humanity before directing further hostility her way.
"Please remember before you send more hate my way, I'm a human being not a character someone created," she wrote.
Natalie Tippett shared a statement on the controversy
|Natalie Tippett Instagram
Despite acknowledging potential consequences from speaking out, she maintained that nothing could be worse than "having to watch someone profit off painful lies."
She concluded by wishing Ms Allen "all the success, money, healing and happiness and whatever else she is seeking through this."
The controversy stems from Ms Allen's October release West End Girl, her first album since 2018, which chronicles the breakdown of her four-year marriage to Mr Harbour in unflinching detail.
The track Madeline sits at the emotional centre of the record, with Ms Allen singing about confronting another woman via text: "How long has it been going on? Is it just sex or is there emotion?"
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Lily Allen and David Harbour split up this year
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The lyrics triggered an intense online search among the singer's fanbase to uncover the identity of the woman referenced in the song.
Ms Tippett, now 35, reportedly first encountered the 50-year-old actor whilst working in the costume department on the 2021 Netflix production We Have A Ghost, filmed in New Orleans.
Reports suggest Mr Harbour subsequently flew her to his Atlanta residence as their connection continued.
Allen performed the track on Saturday Night Live this weekend, with actress Dakota Johnson making a surprise appearance during the set.
Natalie Tippett has broken her silence on the David Harbour scandal
|Johnson emerged from behind a curtain to recite what were presented as text messages from the Madeline character, telling the audience: "I hate that you're in so much pain right now. I really don't wanna be the cause of any upset."
The actress concluded the theatrical moment by planting a kiss on Allen's cheek whilst saying "Love and light, Madeline."
Speaking to The Times, Allen has since clarified that Madeline represents a composite figure drawn from multiple people rather than a single individual.
She described her album as a careful mixture of reality and fiction, calling it "a reminder of how stoic yet also how frail humans can be."