Revised Title:
"Lena Dunham’s ‘Insane’ New Memoir Criticized as Fans Resurface ‘Sexual Abuse’ Controversy Involving Sibling"

Key Adjustments:

• Replaced "slammed" with "criticized" for neutrality.
• Streamlined phrasing to maintain clarity and conciseness.
• Retained quotes around contentious terms (‘insane’, ‘sexual abuse’) to reflect cited language.
• Emphasized the causal link between the memoir’s criticism and the revived controversy.

Lena Dunham Faces Backlash Over New Memoir Amid Past Controversy
Lena Dunham, 39, has sparked renewed criticism after announcing her upcoming memoir, Famesick, set for release in April 2026. The book, described as a “rowdy, frank reflection on illness, fame, sex, and everything in between,” revisits her rise to fame. However, the announcement has reignited backlash over her 2014 memoir, Not That Kind of Girl, which included controversial passages about her childhood interactions with her younger sibling, Cyrus Grace Dunham.

[Image: Lena Dunham posing with a copy of Famesick; caption: "Lena Dunham announced Famesick, her second memoir, drawing mixed reactions."]

Controversial Past Resurfaces
In her 2014 memoir, Dunham recounted an incident from age seven, where she inspected her one-year-old sister’s vagina out of curiosity and bribed Cyrus with candy for kisses, likening herself to a “sexual predator.” The revelation prompted accusations of molestation, which Dunham vehemently denied, calling the term “insensitive” and clarifying her actions were non-abusive. Cyrus, who came out as transmasculine nonbinary in their 2019 memoir, A Year Without a Name, has remained supportive of Dunham publicly.

[Image: Cover of Not That Kind of Girl; caption: "Dunham’s 2014 memoir sparked outrage for its controversial childhood anecdotes."]

Outrage Over Famesick’s Cover and Content
The cover art for Famesick—featuring a person in an Alice in Wonderland-inspired outfit with legs spread—drew immediate criticism. Critics likened it to Lolita and called it tone-deaf given past controversies. Social media erupted with backlash, with users questioning the need for another memoir and speculating about potential revelations.

[Image: Famesick book cover; caption: "The memoir’s Alice in Wonderland-themed cover faced scrutiny for its imagery."]

Mixed Reactions from Fans
While some fans expressed excitement, others condemned the project. Comments ranged from “Who asked for Lena Dunham’s trauma scrapbook part 2?” to concerns about the cover’s “little girl dress” aesthetic. Critics also referenced her 2014 scandal, with one user writing, “Absolutely insane cover given the only thing anyone remembers from her last one.”

[Image: Social media reactions; caption: "Fans criticized the memoir’s timing and imagery online."]

Dunham’s Defense and Past Statements
In 2014, Dunham addressed the backlash, telling Time magazine she was “dismayed” by interpretations of her essay and apologizing for her wording. She emphasized her support for abuse survivors and clarified that Cyrus approved the story’s inclusion. The actress also recounted a childhood incident where she found pebbles in her sister’s vagina, which her mother calmly resolved.

[Image: Lena Dunham in a 2010 photo; caption: "Dunham denied abuse claims, calling her past language ‘insensitive.’"]

Career Context
Dunham, best known for creating and starring in HBO’s Girls, has often courted controversy. While Famesick promises candid reflections on fame and health struggles, the shadow of her past revelations looms large. As the 2026 release approaches, the public remains divided on whether Dunham’s latest project will redefine her legacy or deepen existing critiques.

[Image: Still from Girls; caption: "Dunham rose to fame with her HBO series Girls."]

The Daily Mail has reached out to Dunham’s representatives for comment.

(Word count: ~600)