If Milana Vayntrub’s name doesn’t ring a bell, her face likely will. Since 2013, she has intermittently taken the spotlight in numerous AT&T commercials, portraying Lily—an amiable AT&T employee engaged in comedic exchanges with customers. For three years, Vayntrub’s Lily served as the face of a national AT&T campaign until she took a hiatus. In 2020, amid the pandemic, she resurrected the character for a series of commercials.
Vayntrub’s journey as Lily unfolds in a recent profile by The New York Times, delving into the highs and lows of her portrayal. At 26, she auditioned for the character, adopting a friendly girl-next-door appearance. When the pandemic struck, Vayntrub proposed bringing Lily back to AT&T, envisioning her working from home. The proposal gained approval, and Vayntrub took charge, directing the spots herself. Filming the national ads within the confines of her own house, she even handled Lily’s hair and makeup remotely supervised by a professional.
However, stepping back into the national spotlight came with unexpected repercussions—online sexual harassment and unwarranted attention from internet trolls. The Times reports a shift in Lily’s reception, turning from benign tolerance to lecherous malevolence. During the summer of 2020, a specific online community began dubbing her “Mommy Milkers,” referencing her breasts. The internet onslaught involved lewd declarations and milk emojis flooding AT&T’s social media posts. This vitriol extended beyond professional boundaries, infiltrating Vayntrub’s personal social media accounts. Her personal photos became fodder for strangers, and spammy websites falsely promised access to non-existent pornographic videos featuring her.
In response to the escalating online sexual harassment, Vayntrub took to Instagram Live in August 2020 to address the issue. She revealed the extent of the harassment, including sexist comments and followers soliciting nude photos. Reflecting on the experience, Vayntrub noted the emotional toll it took, expressing her distress and feelings reminiscent of sexual assault. Walking her dog became a distressing activity as distorted images were exploited for social media likes without her consent.
Amid this turmoil, Vayntrub found unexpected support from Stephanie Courtney, the actor behind Flo from Progressive. Courtney, acknowledging she hadn’t faced similar harassment, reached out to Vayntrub, providing a listening ear. Vayntrub appreciated the call, feeling a sense of camaraderie and support.
Despite the intense online harassment, portraying Lily has transformed Vayntrub’s life, both professionally and personally. When questioned about whether the benefits outweigh the toxic downsides, she unequivocally responded with a resounding “One hundred percent.”
