8 Shocking Stephen DeMarco Quotes From Hulu’s Tell Me Lies

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

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

He’s controlling, he’s cruel, he’s 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 Tell Me Lies, streaming now on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers,* we’ve picked 8 of Stephen’s most manipulative, gaslighting quotes yet.

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Tell Me Lies, Season 1, Episode 1

“You look uncomfortable in that dress.”

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

Tell Me Lies, Season 1, Episode 1

“You’re a liability.”

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 behavior cutting deep from the very start.

Tell Me Lies, Season 1, Episode 8

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

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 "fan-girling", labeling it unattractive. Another harsh, controlling remark sparks an argument and the see-sawing pattern of conflict and reconciliation repeats again.

Tell Me Lies, Season 2, Episode 3

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

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.

Tell Me Lies, Season 2, Episode 5

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

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 she knew and the depth of his trademark behavior begins to be revealed. The consequences of Stephen’s actions have now trickled from his romantic interests into family ties.

Tell Me Lies, Season 2, Episode 8

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

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!

Tell Me Lies, Season 3, Episode 1

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

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 nature which give him the upper hand in several of his relationships.

Tell Me Lies, Season 3, Episode 3

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

Stephen’s true colors are on full display 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.

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