British singer Lily Allen has entered the fiery discussion about whether having a boyfriend has become fundamentally embarrassing in today's dating landscape. The debate ignited last month when a viral Vogue article questioned the modern social status of being in a heterosexual relationship.
The Viral Article That Started It All
In October 2025, Vogue published a piece by writer Chante Joseph that sent shockwaves through social media and group chats worldwide. The article boldly asked: 'Is Having A Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?' and investigated why many women appear to be hiding their partners online.
Joseph concluded that being in a traditional boyfriend-girlfriend relationship had become 'fundamentally uncool' and that those who frequently posted couple photos came across as 'quite culturally loser-ish'. The piece argued that being single was no longer a cautionary tale but had transformed into a desirable and coveted status, challenging centuries of heterosexual fairytales that rarely benefited women.
Celebrity Reactions Pour In
Vogue recently sought opinions from several famous women about the controversial piece, including Lily Allen, whose recent album West End Girl details her messy breakup with Stranger Things actor David Harbour.
When questioned about whether boyfriends had become embarrassing, Allen initially laughed before offering her perspective. 'Yea, maybe,' she said, appearing somewhat uncertain before clarifying her position.
'I kind of rate it when girls don't have pictures of their boyfriends on their Instagrams, it makes me curious. It's cool. We don't need to be defined by them. They can just be background,' the singer declared.
American model Paloma Elsesser echoed similar sentiments, straightforwardly stating: 'Confirmed! Boyfriends are very embarrassing.'
Not Everyone Agrees
However, the publication received pushback from other celebrities who defended romantic relationships. Bridgerton star Simone Ashley countered: 'I don't think love is embarrassing. Sorry Vogue. Love is pretty great.'
Meanwhile, Lila Moss offered a more nuanced perspective: 'I have a boyfriend, and he is not embarrassing, so I don't think it's embarrassing. But if they are embarrassing, then maybe.'
All these celebrity comments were gathered during London's fashion week at Marco Capaldo's fashion show, where Lily Allen made her runway debut.
Allen's Personal Context
Allen's comments about relationships arrive shortly after the October 24 release of her critically acclaimed breakup album, West End Girl, which ended her seven-year musical hiatus. The album contains explosive allegations against her ex-husband David Harbour, whom she married in 2020 and separated from last year.
The autofictional work details:
- Allegations of cheating and gaslighting
- References to a woman she calls 'Madeline'
- Payments for sex
- Discussions of vasectomies and sex addiction
Metro's review described the album as 'a welcome return from Lily Allen who brings a unique sound and unflinching honesty to her music', though noted it contained no obvious instant hits.
The timing of Allen's comments about keeping boyfriends in the 'background' appears particularly significant given her recent personal experiences with high-profile relationship drama.
