Published 11:10 11 Jun 2026 GMT
David Harbour has finally addressed reports that Millie Bobby Brown filed a bullying and harassment complaint against him before production on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, insisting the pair have moved past any disagreement and remain close.
The actor, who played Jim Hopper opposite Brown’s Eleven for a decade, spoke candidly about the claims during a new interview with Variety, describing the situation as far less dramatic than headlines suggested.
Reports first surfaced in November, claiming Brown had filed a complaint against Harbour ahead of filming for season five. Now, Harbour says the story took on a life of its own.
“In this weird world we live in, where sound bites will be created, I’m trying to figure out how to say this," Harbour said. “It’s a show that went on for 10 years. We worked together for 10 years during her formative teenage years, playing father and daughter. I don’t know if people have families and friends that you spend a lot of time with for 10 years — you occasionally get in arguments, disagreements.”
While acknowledging that disagreements can happen after working together for such a long period, Harbour explained that outside involvement complicated matters.
He noted that arguments are normal within families and close friendships, but said being part of a hugely successful television series often means many people become involved in personal disputes.
According to Harbour, the issue between himself and Brown was ultimately straightforward.
“It was just a simple rupture-and-repair thing that, once we cleared everybody out of the way and talked to each other, we’re fine," he said. "Everyone nowadays is very scared of talking about things. People are very scared of being human. It’s unfortunate, because I don’t know how to navigate this weird media world. But it was completely normal, and we adore each other and always have.”
Harbour also suggested fans have not seen the last of the duo working together.
“You’ll see more of me and Millie," he teased. "Ten years wasn’t enough. There is a special bond there. I love her. She loves me.”
Brown also addressed the situation in comments shared with Variety, reflecting on how their relationship evolved throughout the show's run.
“Obviously, I changed so much from season 1 to season 5, and David was there through all of it,” she wrote.
“Over time, our relationship became much more collaborative creatively. When you work with someone for that many years, we could really push each other emotionally in scenes. Even though the series has ended, there’s still a lot of gratitude. Getting to share that experience with him for so many years is something I’ll always remember and value.”
Brown has also publicly backed her longtime co-star in previous interviews.
Ahead of the Stranger Things season five premiere, she told Deadline that she “of course” felt safe around Harbour on set.
“Of course I felt safe. I mean, we've worked together for 10 years,” she said. “I feel safe with everyone on that set. You naturally just, you know ... you've been doing it for so long.”
She also told The Hollywood Reporter that she and Harbour "love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything."
After years of playing one of television’s most beloved father-daughter pairings, both stars appear eager to leave the rumors behind, with Harbour making it clear that their friendship remains intact long after Stranger Things came to an end.
Published 16:25 02 Nov 2025 GMT
Netflix is reportedly investigating serious claims of bullying and harassment against actor David Harbour, one of the central figures in its hit series Stranger Things. The allegations come from co-star Millie Bobby Brown, just as production wraps up on the show’s highly anticipated final season.
According to The Mail on Sunday, Millie Bobby Brown, 21, filed a formal complaint against Harbour, 50, ahead of the start of filming for Season 5 in January last year. The report claims the complaint alleged bullying and harassment but did not include any accusations of sexual misconduct.
“There were pages and pages of accusations,” a source told the outlet, adding that the internal investigation “went on for months.”
The tension reportedly affected production on the final season, which Netflix is said to be investing more than $400 million in.
Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety/Getty Images.
Harbour, who plays former police chief Jim Hopper, shares extensive screen time with Brown, who portrays Eleven – a telekinetic child he takes under his care. Their complicated father-daughter dynamic has been a cornerstone of the series since its debut in 2016.
However, due to the strained relationship between the two actors, Brown reportedly had a personal representative with her during filming of the final season to ensure her comfort and safety on set.
The allegations surface amid another difficult chapter for Harbour, whose marriage to British singer Lily Allen recently ended. Allen’s new album West End Girl (her first in seven years) has drawn widespread attention for its raw portrayal of infidelity and heartbreak, widely believed to reference Harbour.
Sources told The Mail that Allen supported her husband during the Netflix investigation, calling it “a brutal time” for both.
Since breaking out as Eleven, Brown has gone on to headline films like Enola Holmes and Damsel, cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s most successful young stars.
In 2024, she married actor Jake Bongiovi, son of rock musician Jon Bon Jovi. The couple live on a farm in Georgia, where they run an animal sanctuary, and in August they adopted a baby girl.
Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour pictured in 2017. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images.
Stranger Things has been one of Netflix’s most successful and acclaimed series, drawing record-breaking viewership since its premiere. Season 4 alone racked up more than 286 million viewing hours within three days of release in 2022.
Created by Matt and Ross Duffer, the nostalgic sci-fi drama stars Winona Ryder, Finn Wolfhard, Joe Keery, and Natalia Dyer alongside Brown and Harbour.
The fifth and final season will be released in three parts: the first four episodes debut on November 26, followed by three episodes at Christmas, and a feature-length finale arriving in theaters and on Netflix on New Year’s Eve.
Published 11:13 27 Nov 2025 GMT
In the aftermath of a viral report alleging Millie Bobby Brown accused her Stranger Things co-star David Harbour of bullying on set, the actress is opening up about the true nature of their relationship. Despite the allegations, the two actors appeared together at the world premiere of Stranger Things season five in Los Angeles earlier this month, presenting a united front that surprised many fans and media outlets.
The report, published by The Daily Mail, suggested that Brown, who is 21, had filed a harassment and bullying complaint against the 50-year-old Harbour before filming began for the final season of Stranger Things.
Although the claims were vague and no details about specific incidents were provided, it was reported that Netflix conducted an internal investigation lasting several months. Brown was also said to have been accompanied by a personal representative while filming. Netflix has not commented on the matter.
When asked about the premiere and her decision to appear alongside Harbour, Brown emphasized their long-standing friendship. "We’ve been doing that for the last 10 years," she explained via The Hollywood Reporter. "I mean, we have always been united in that. We love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything." Her comments suggest a close and supportive dynamic between the two, both on and off-screen.
Throughout the final season, their characters—Eleven and Hopper—spend significant time together after being reunited in season four. Brown noted that their interactions in season five were particularly nostalgic. “It was quite nostalgic because it reminded me so much of season two and three, where we’re both kind of butting heads and she’s growing up, she’s trying to find her own voice and he’s trying to parent,” she shared. “And I think some of people’s favorite scenes of Eleven are Ele and [Hopper], so I’m really excited to have that come to screen once again."
Following the allegations, Stranger Things co-creators Matt and Ross Duffer were also asked about the situation. Ross Duffer stated, “Obviously, you understand I can’t get into personal on-set matters, but I will say we’ve been doing this for 10 years with this cast, and at this point they’re family and we deeply care about them." He added that maintaining a safe and supportive environment on set is a top priority.
Director Shawn Levy also addressed the issue, emphasizing the importance of creating a respectful work environment. “You have to create a respectful workplace where everyone feels comfortable and safe, and so we did everything to build that environment,” Levy explained. "And we’re proud of the fact that we did so."
As the final season of Stranger Things continues to unfold, Brown's remarks, along with the support of her co-stars and the show's creators, appear to put the rumors to rest. Fans can now look forward to the upcoming Volume 2, set to release on December 25, and the series finale on December 31.
Published 15:46 04 Nov 2025 GMT
The final season of Stranger Things is set to be one of the most anticipated releases in Netflix history, but it comes with a cloud of controversy surrounding two of the show’s biggest stars.
Millie Bobby Brown, who portrays Eleven, has reportedly filed serious bullying and harassment allegations against her co-star, David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper.
These claims, which have surfaced just as the production wraps up on the show’s fifth and final season, have cast a shadow over the beloved series.
Hints of a potential rift between the two actors had been apparent well before these recent claims surfaced.
In an interview from 2024, Millie appeared visibly uncomfortable when discussing her wedding plans.
During the conversation, MTV’s Josh Horowitz jokingly suggested that David Harbour might officiate her wedding.
Millie’s response - “Yes, yes” - was followed by a hesitant pause, and she added: “I don’t know how I feel…” Before quickly shifting to suggest that Matthew Modine, who plays “Papa” in Stranger Things, could take on the role instead.
Notably, while Modine did officiate Millie’s wedding to Jake Bongiovi later that year, there were no reports of David Harbour’s attendance, leading some to speculate about the true nature of their off-screen relationship.
One fan commenting on a resurfaced video from the interview noted: “Looking at this differently after the allegations against David Harbour,” hinting at how the situation had changed in light of the recent accusations.
According to multiple reports, Millie Bobby Brown, 21, formally filed a complaint against the 50-year-old Harbour ahead of filming the final season in January of the previous year.
The complaint allegedly detailed several instances of bullying and harassment, though it did not involve any accusations of sexual misconduct.
“There were pages and pages of accusations,” an unnamed source shared, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The internal investigation that followed reportedly lasted for months, and although Netflix has remained tight-lipped about the matter, it has been confirmed that Brown had a personal representative assigned to her during filming.
This was a precautionary measure to ensure her safety and comfort on set while working alongside Harbour, whose character shares extensive screen time with her own.
The tensions between the two stars were palpable, and it’s said that the allegations caused significant disruption to production.
Netflix is reportedly investing over $400 million into the final season of Stranger Things, making the situation even more complicated for the streaming giant.
Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour pictured in 2017. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty
The allegations against David Harbour come during a particularly difficult period in his personal life.
The actor recently faced public scrutiny due to his divorce from British singer Lily Allen, which has been publicly explored in her new album, West End Girl.
The album touches on themes of infidelity and heartbreak, with many speculating that the lyrics reference Harbour’s past relationship.
Amidst the ongoing Netflix investigation into the bullying claims, sources close to the situation mentioned that Lily Allen had been supportive of her ex-husband during this tumultuous time, calling it “a brutal time” for both of them.
celebrity2 min(s) read
Published 10:45 08 Nov 2025 GMT
Millie Bobby Brown made an unexpected comment about her relationship with 'Stranger Things' co-star David Harbour after rumors abounded that she'd put in a complaint against him to bosses.
The 21-year-old actress, who plays Eleven on the show, is reported to have filed a harassment and bullying complaint against her 50-year-old co-star
As reported by the Mail on Sunday, Harbour had reportedly faced an internal inquiry as a result of Brown's complaints against him, which did not include any allegations of sexual impropriety.
A source told the outlet: "Millie Bobby Brown filed a harassment and bullying claim before they started shooting the last season. There were pages and pages of accusations. The investigation went on for months."
Representatives for Brown and Netflix declined to comment on the allegations, with a source adding: "Netflix will never comment on an internal investigation, but the fact they've not denied it speaks volumes.
"Stranger Things helped put Netflix on the map. Millions of fans around the world have been anticipating the finale. No one wants anything to take attention away from that."
Despite the claims, Brown and Harbour put on a united front for the cameras this week as the pair attended the show’s Season 5 premiere Thursday night.
They were seen embracing and appeared at ease in one another's company, and Brown even heaped praise on Harbour during a red carpet interview.
Speaking to Extra, she called reuniting with Harbour, who plays her on-screen father figure Jim Hopper, "amazing".
She added: "We’re so lucky to have each other. The show means so much to the both of us and to everyone here."
Brown continued: "This has been the last 10 years of our lives. We’ve dedicated a lot of it, and we’re so excited to see that come to screen."
Despite the pair seeming at ease together, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail it was "overkill", adding: "Millie and David are shown in two key moments here: apparently meeting up while he is signing autographs for the fans and then during their set poses on the carpet.
"Both times there seems to be a mutual intent to show a playful style of cheery friendliness."
Describing their enthusiastic laughter during their interaction, James explained: "His second quip receives what is almost an overkill response from her as she suggests she is helpless with laughter, again with her eyes closed and mouth open and her right hand placed onto her rib area as she giggles loudly."
celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 10:01 07 Nov 2025 GMT
David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown made a striking appearance together at the Stranger Things Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, marking the long-awaited debut of the show’s final chapter.
The pair, who star as Jim Hopper and Eleven, arrived side by side and posed for photographers before heading inside. Fans and media outlets quickly noted their strong chemistry, reminiscent of their father-daughter dynamic on screen.
Netflix even shared a clip of their red carpet moment with the caption: “David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown arrive together for one last Stranger Things premiere.”
Their united appearance came just days after reports surfaced alleging that Brown, 21, had filed a harassment and bullying claim with Netflix against Harbour, 50. According to the Daily Mail, an unnamed insider claimed: “Millie Bobby Brown filed a harassment and bullying claim before they started shooting the last season. The investigation went on for months.”
Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour pictured in 2017. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images.
The report stated that Harbour was the subject of an internal Netflix inquiry following the accusations. While the outcome of the investigation remains undisclosed, the claims reportedly did not involve sexual misconduct.
Netflix has not confirmed whether an investigation took place but is said to have taken steps to maintain a professional and respectful atmosphere on set throughout filming. According to the same report, Brown had a personal representative present during production of the final season.
Harbour and Brown have shared the screen since Stranger Things began filming in 2015, when Brown was just 11 years old. Their bond quickly became one of the show’s most emotional focal points, a central theme that resonated with audiences worldwide.
In a 2016 interview, Harbour reflected on their early connection. “Millie and I have always had a special relationship because I knew her when she was so young. I knew her before the fame,” he said, via The Mirror US.
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Brown echoed similar feelings during a 2018 appearance at PaleyFest. “We go through so many emotions. We fight like a real father and daughter. The scenes feel raw because they are,” she told fans.
Despite their offscreen challenges, both actors presented a composed and united front at the premiere, smiling and greeting fans together on the red carpet.
Offscreen, Harbour has also been making headlines for another reason. His ex-wife, British singer Lily Allen, recently released her album West End Girl, which includes lyrics referencing their breakup.
On the track 'Dallas Major', Allen sings, “You know I used to be quite famous, that was way back in the day. I probably should explain how my marriage has been open since my husband went astray.”
While the lyrics sparked speculation about the end of their marriage, Harbour has remained silent about the song and the rumors surrounding it.
The upcoming fifth and final season of Stranger Things has been described by Netflix as an emotional conclusion to one of its biggest global hits. Brown, Harbour, and the rest of the returning cast (including Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, and Sadie Sink) are expected to reprise their roles for what promises to be an intense final showdown in Hawkins.
Despite the off-screen controversies, the premiere marked a celebratory moment for fans and cast members alike, as they prepare to close the curtain on nearly a decade of storytelling that defined a generation of television.
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