Initially rising to prominence following the success of her single Smile, which reached number one on the UK charts in 2006. the singer turned actress Lily Allen got candid about parenting. The Olivier Awards nominated star, who shares two children, Ethel Mary, 12, and Marnie Rose, 11, with her ex-husband Sam Cooper, joked about the implications of being a mother to her stardom.
But the Not Fair singer’s statements about her kids have landed Allen in some hot waters, as fans are stressing the actress’ statements could be detrimental to the kids.
Lily Allen Jokingly Held Her Kids Responsible for Ruining Her Stardom
Lily Allen, who is currently engaged to Stranger Things Star David Harbour, touched on the impact of being a parent of two in her professional career. In the new episode of the Radio Times podcast, Allen said her kids ruined her career in terms of pop stardom before bursting into laughter. While it was obviously meant as a joke, she expressed that you can’t have it all, and people who say otherwise annoy her.
“I never really have a strategy when it comes to career, but yes, my children ruined my career. I love them and they complete me, but in terms of pop stardom, totally ruined it,” Allen, 38, said in the interview… It really annoys me when people say you can have it all, because — quite frankly — you can’t.”
However, the internet didn’t take kindly to her jokes, as netizens argued it could’ve detrimental impacts on her two daughters.
Her kids reading this pic.twitter.com/ild0oW3uEf
— Brandon B (@LifeOfBrn) March 12, 2024
why would she even publicly say this? So weird and fcked up to say….
— 💎𝐊𝐚𝖎 𝐁💎 (@official_kaiiii) March 12, 2024
The choice of words is important here. I understand the sentiment behind it. The change that comes from becoming a parent is definitely life-altering and challenging. Using the word "ruin" is just not a choice I would make, especially after choosing to become a parent.
— Steph Guerrero (@steph_guerrero) March 12, 2024
her kids reading this: pic.twitter.com/U5GpQtMrDg
— Dorky Cabello 🎀 (@Dorrky_Cabello) March 12, 2024
That’s kinda harsh. But if it’s true I can’t really hate🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/FOtF5NtTTV
— E-Man (@WigginsWick22) March 12, 2024
It’s reasonable to see why many weren’t thrilled with the British singer’s statements, even if she didn’t exactly mean it and does love her kids dearly. But it’s important to note that Lily Allen did sideline her stardom to focus on her kids, after being neglected herself throughout her childhood.
Lily Allen’s Childhood Scars Pushed Her to Prioritize Her Kids Over Her Career
Being born to celebs herself, Keith Allen and Alison Owen, The Fear singer recalled being neglected by her parents throughout her childhood, as they prioritized their careers over her. This did leave some “nasty scars” on her as a kid, which eventually pushed her to step back from the realm of music to be there for her daughters and not repeat the trauma she experienced as a kid.
She said:
“Some people choose their career over their children and that’s their prerogative. My parents were quite absent when I was a kid, and I feel like that really left some nasty scars that I’m not willing to repeat on mine.”
Despite her jokes, Allen has no regrets about leaving music for her kids, stating she is glad about her actions, as the actor stressed her kids have gone on to become pretty well-rounded people.
