In a profoundly moving and courageous new interview, Ted Lasso actress and former England footballer Keeley Hazell has laid bare the horrifying details of a past abusive relationship with a drug dealer, revealing he ran his illicit operations from their shared bedroom.
The 37-year-old star, known for her role in the hit Apple TV+ series, described the relationship as a period of intense control and fear, from which she felt there was no escape.
A Bedroom Turned Drug Den
Hazell recounted the shocking reality of her home life during the relationship. "He was dealing drugs from our bedroom," she revealed, painting a picture of a home environment that was anything but safe. The constant presence of illegal substances and the stream of strangers in and out of their private space created a climate of perpetual anxiety and danger.
The Grip of Control and Coercion
The abuse she endured extended far beyond the drug dealing. Hazell spoke of a partner who exerted total control over her life, systematically isolating her from her support network. "He wouldn't let me out of his sight... I wasn't allowed to see my friends or family," she explained, detailing a textbook pattern of coercive control that left her feeling utterly trapped and powerless.
She described the psychological torment of being made to feel "like I was nothing," a common tactic used by abusers to break down their victim's self-esteem and independence.
Finding Strength and a Path Forward
Despite the trauma, Hazell's story is ultimately one of resilience and survival. Her decision to speak out is a powerful attempt to break the silence that often surrounds domestic abuse and to show others that there is a way out.
Now building a successful acting career in America, her journey from a place of fear and subjugation to one of empowerment and success serves as an inspiration. Her experience underscores the grim reality that abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their public profile or perceived strength.
By sharing her truth, Keeley Hazell adds her voice to the vital conversation about recognising the signs of coercive control and the importance of supporting survivors.
