Yet more controversy emerged in 2017 when Dunham and co-showrunner Jenni Konner defended writer Murray Miller against a rape allegation made against him by actress Aurora Perrineau.
The response, in which they suggested the accusation may have been false, sparked significant backlash and led to a subsequent apology from Dunham, who later said: “Every woman who comes forward deserves to be heard, fully and completely, and our relationship with the accused should not be part of the calculation anyone makes when examining her case.”
Questions around privilege also followed the cast, with attention drawn to the prominent backgrounds of several actors, including Allison Williams, daughter of broadcaster Brian Williams, and Zosia Mamet, whose parents are playwright David Mamet and actor Lindsay Crouse.
Dunham, whose parents are artists Carroll Dunham and Laurie Simmons, rejected accusations of nepotism, arguing her work stood independently.
In her memoir, Dunham also reflects on her dynamic with Driver during the show’s production, including moments of personal tension and emotional complexity.
She said: “At the time, I didn’t have the skill to… it never entered my mind to say, ‘I am your boss, you can’t speak to me this way.'”