Lily, affectionately known as the AT&T Girl, is played by Milana Vayntrub, who also directs the commercials she stars in.
Vayntrub has an extensive acting career, with roles in series like *This Is Us*, *House of Lies*, *Californication*, and *Silicon Valley*, and she starred in her own sci-fi comedy series, *Other Space*. She began portraying Lily in 2013, becoming a familiar face to millions worldwide. However, this fame has come at an emotional cost.
Vayntrub recently revealed that Lily will no longer appear with her whole body visible in commercials, a change prompted by relentless harassment about her body. In March 2021, she tweeted that she directs the ads and positions herself behind a counter due to the overwhelming number of unwelcome comments she receives, declaring, “You’ve lost the privilege of looking at it until I feel safe again.” Despite her transparency, the harassment continued.
Vayntrub had previously shared that such comments make her feel as if she’s being sexually assaulted, expressing that it deeply hurts her feelings. AT&T supports Vayntrub by deleting harmful comments on their platforms and issued a statement defending her, reinforcing their respect for women. Director Paul Feig also condemned the harassment she faces on social media, calling it a disgrace. It seems Vayntrub’s decision to remain seated behind a desk in commercials will continue, as demonstrated in AT&T’s March 17 commercial.