9 Stephen DeMarco Quotes That Had Us Screaming While Watching Tell Me Lies on Disney+

Gaslighting? Mastered. Manipulation? Guaranteed. Stephen DeMarco’s most manipulative lines in Tell Me Lies

A quick heads-up: this article includes some strong language and sexual references.

He is controlling, he is cruel, he is Stephen DeMarco. The narcissistic, but at times charming, villain works overtime to coerce and gaslight his girlfriend Lucy Albright and anyone who stands in his way. To celebrate season 3 of Hulu original drama Tell Me Lies streaming now on Disney+, we’ve picked 9 of Stephen’s most manipulative, gaslighting quotes yet.

1. “This is really @#$%!@# embarrassing for you.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 2, Episode 3

Manipulative Stephen is at his most cruel when he visits Lucy’s dorm to return her missing ID. She initially rejects him but succumbs as he gets up close and personal and challenges her feelings. When Lucy gives in, Stephen abruptly pulls away and burns her with this brutal line.

2. “I just don’t think I feel the same way anymore. And I respect you too much to keep faking it, Diana.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 2, Episode 8

In classic gaslighting fashion, Stephen again frames his sentiments as respectful when control is really at the heart of every move he makes. After sleeping with Lucy, he decides to break up with Diana and put an end to a relationship he’s neglected for months. But, Stephen’s a decent guy, just ask him!

3. “You look uncomfortable in that dress.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 1, Episode 1

Red flags don’t come any earlier than Season 1, Episode 1 and Stephen’s dig-of-a-pick-up line, masked as compliment, is a sign of what’s to come. His comment, made during a fraternity party, prods at Lucy’s insecurities and sets the tone for what becomes a toxic dynamic between the pair.

4. “You’re a liability.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 1, Episode 1

Stephen’s toxicity sets the tone in the series premiere with this glimpse into his dismissive and controlling nature as he tries to dress this insult to Lucy up as a compliment. Years later, it remains an open wound for Lucy with Stephen’s cruel behaviour cutting deep from the very start.

5. “Unless I want to blow everything up again. And I don’t want to do that.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 3, Episode 1

Stephen’s scheming tactics aren’t exclusive to Lucy with this line used on Evan after discovering his secret. As Evan fears Bree finding out, Stephen pounces on his anxieties and threatens to expose him. When Evan’s wealthy parents try to buy Stephen’s silence it just reinforces his power and calculating tactic which give him the upper hand in several of his relationships.

6. “I am not being a self riotous little @#$% about it. Talking about people behind their backs. I’m just minding my own business. You should do the same.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 1, Episode 6

Stephen is the king of the blame game and his dark tendencies bubble over when he lashes out at Pippa after revealing he lied to Lucy about Macy. This quote shines a light on Stephen’s ability to assert dominance when confronted and cements his destructive and dark side in the storyline. 

7. “I don’t know if you even care about me … I want to believe you, but I think you need to prove it.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 3, Episode 3

Stephen’s true colours are on show when he gaslights Lucy with this manipulative statement after discovering her secret. Using emotional blackmail to pressure Lucy into recording a video confession, Stephen dictates terms and films it on his phone reinforcing the toxic power dynamic between them.

8. “What the @#$% was that? You just fan-girled all over him … That is not attractive.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 1, Episode 8

The unhealthy cycle that is the relationship between Stephen and Lucy is highlighted by this scene in the Season 1 Finale. When Lucy enthusiastically interacts with another guy, Stephen confronts her and puts her down with accusations of ‘fangirling’, labelling it unattractive. Another harsh, controlling remark sparks an argument and the see-sawing pattern of conflict and reconciliation repeats again.

9. “Do you wonder why I got tired of @#$%*!@ you, Lucy? … It’s because you are so completely forgettable.”

Tell Me Lies, Season 2, Episode 5

Ruthless Stephen has one emotional vulnerability, his sister Sadie, and in Episode 5 of Season 2 a defining moment plays out when Lucy sends her a voicemail from him. Shocked by what she hears, Sadie questions the brother she thought knew and the depth of his trademark behaviour begins to be revealed. The consequences of Stephen’s actions have now trickled from his romantic interests into family ties.

Tell Me Lies Season 3 is now streaming on Disney+ with new episodes dropping weekly.

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