Lily Allen’s unsettling Instagram video, shared during her separation from David Harbour, has been clarified following the release of her latest album, West End Girl, last Friday. The lead single, Madeline, appears to reference the actor’s alleged long-term affair, using a pseudonym for the woman involved, which has drawn renewed attention to the split.
The couple ended their relationship after accusations surfaced that Harbour had a three-year illicit involvement with a costume designer. Harbour has not publicly responded to these allegations, but Natalie Tippett has stepped forward identifying herself as the Madeline character featured in Allen’s song.
How Past Posts Gain New Context Amid the Allegations
Fans and followers have started revisiting previous social media activity from both Allen and Harbour, discovering that some posts carry darker implications in light of the affair claims. Notably, Allen shared a graphic video in December of last year showing lions devouring a zebra, which was initially considered random by her audience.
The video was captioned with the phrase “That circle of life. brutal,” sparking confusion among viewers.
“Uhm, ok but, what was the reason for the post?”
– Comment from a follower
“Lmaooo wtf this is so random Lily did u get hacked.”
– Comment from another viewer
Now, with the benefit of hindsight and the new revelations, this post is widely interpreted as a metaphor for Allen’s role in a cruel dynamic, where she likens herself to the zebra victimized in a harsh “circle of life.” She shared this video while on a safari trip with her daughters Ethel and Marnie shortly after splitting from Harbour, suggesting it was an intentional message aimed at her ex-husband.
Insights Into the Song “Madeline” and the Divorce Narrative
The track Madeline from West End Girl is believed to be a direct reflection of Allen’s response to the alleged affair and its impact on their marriage. By using a false name for the other woman, the song encapsulates the betrayal and emotional turmoil that surrounded the breakup.
These events remained largely private until March 2025, when The Daily Mail reported on Harbour’s purported three-year relationship with the costume designer. Since then, the public and media have pieced together the timeline and personal effects shared through social media.
What This Reveals About Allen’s Experience and What’s Next
Allen’s symbolic use of the wildlife video and raw lyrics highlights the emotional strain caused by the alleged affair. It paints a picture of a painful upheaval in her personal life, echoing themes of betrayal and survival. Harbour’s silence adds to the tension and curiosity surrounding the situation.
The ongoing public interest in the David Harbour affair allegations continues to unfold, with fans watching closely for further developments, responses, or statements from the involved parties.
