Lena Dunham is stirring the spotlight again. More than a decade after her first memoir sparked major controversy, the Girls star, now 39, has announced a new book—prompting a flurry of reactions online.
The announcement comes amid lingering memories of past scandal, with some fans expressing shock and others curiosity about what the actress will reveal this time.
Introducing Famesick: A Raw Reflection on Life and Fame
Dunham revealed her new memoir, Famesick, on Thursday.
She described it as a “rowdy, frank reflection on illness, fame, sex, and everything in between,” promising an intimate look at her rise to fame.
The memoir is set for release in April 2026.
Sharing the book cover on social media, Dunham showcased a striking image: the lower half of a person dressed in an Alice in Wonderland-inspired outfit with legs spread—an unusual choice that immediately drew attention.
Revisiting a Past Scandal
For many, the announcement reopened wounds from Dunham’s 2014 memoir, Not That Kind of Girl.
In that book, she recounted an incident from her childhood in which, at age seven, she had looked at her one-year-old sibling Cyrus Grace’s vagina out of curiosity and referred to herself as a “sexual predator” while attempting to bribe her sibling for affection.
Dunham later clarified that she did not abuse her sibling and apologized for the insensitive use of the term “sexual predator.”
Cyrus Grace Dunham, who came out as transmasculine nonbinary in 2019, publicly supported her sibling but the story has continued to spark debate.
Social Media Reacts to the New Memoir
Reactions to the new book were immediate and polarized. Some fans criticized the memoir before its release, recalling the previous controversy. Comments included:
-
“Absolutely insane cover given the only thing anyone remembers from her last one.”
-
“Who asked for Lena Dunham’s trauma scrapbook part two?”
-
“Little girl dress on the cover? No f*****g thank you!”
Others expressed support and curiosity:
-
“That title alone is going to stir up some conversation. Curious to see how candid Lena gets this time.”
-
“Can’t wait to see what she’s got up her sleeve this time.”
The Controversial Childhood Account
The most infamous moment in Dunham’s past memoir involved her describing the incident with her sibling in explicit detail.
She wrote:
“One day, as I sat in our driveway in Long Island playing with blocks and buckets, my curiosity got the best of me…
Grace was sitting up, babbling and smiling, and I leaned down between her legs and carefully spread open her vagina.”
Dunham recounted how her mother discovered pebbles her sibling had hidden, and how she later tried to bribe her sibling for affection, a description that caused widespread outrage.
Dunham’s Response and Apology
Dunham has consistently sought to clarify her intentions.
In a statement to Time magazine, she expressed dismay at misinterpretations of her essay, stating:
-
“I do not condone any kind of abuse under any circumstances.”
-
“Childhood sexual abuse is a life-shattering event for so many, and I have been vocal about the rights of survivors.”
-
“If the situations described in my book have been painful or triggering, I am sorry, as that was never my intention.”
-
She also apologized for the insensitive use of the term “sexual predator” and emphasized that her sibling is her best friend and supported the inclusion of the memory.
What’s Next for Famesick?
While some critics remain skeptical, others are anticipating Dunham’s next chapter.
Fans and detractors alike are watching closely to see what revelations, reflections, or controversies might emerge from her new memoir, set to hit shelves in April 2026.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Dunham’s representatives for comment but has not received a response.
Meanwhile, the conversation around Famesick is already heating up online, proving that Lena Dunham remains a figure who can ignite debate years after her initial rise to fame.