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.
Millie's Awkward Wedding Response
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.
The Allegations Against David Harbour
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 Strain on David Harbour’s Personal Life
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.