Netflix is reportedly facing internal controversy as claims have surfaced that David Harbour allegedly “bullied and harassed” his Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown during production of the show’s final season.
The hit series, which helped define Netflix’s rise as a global streaming giant, is set to conclude later this year with its fifth and final season. Harbour, 50, plays Chief of Police Jim Hopper, while Brown, 21, stars as Eleven; the telekinetic girl he takes under his wing.
Internal investigation allegedly launched after complaint from Brown
According to The Mail on Sunday, Brown allegedly filed a formal “harassment and bullying” complaint before filming began on Season 5 in early 2024. Sources claimed the complaint contained “pages and pages” of accusations, leading to a months-long internal investigation into Harbour’s alleged behavior.
The outlet reported that the allegations did not include any claims of sexual misconduct.
Millie Bobby Brown pictured with 'Stranger Things' co-stars Winona Ryder and David Harbour in 2017. Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images.
Despite the investigation, Netflix has reportedly chosen not to comment publicly on the matter. “Netflix will never comment on an internal investigation, but the fact they’ve not denied it speaks volumes,” a source told the Mail.
Netflix reportedly determined to keep focus on the final season
A Netflix insider emphasized that the controversy would not affect the company’s plans for the highly anticipated final season. “It will be a theatrical event,” the source said. “Nothing is going to overshadow this, not even the leading man’s private life.”
With millions of fans around the world waiting for the series finale, Netflix is reportedly focused on ensuring that Stranger Things concludes without disruption. “Stranger Things helped put Netflix on the map,” the insider added. “No one wants anything to take attention away from that.”
Harbour’s personal life under renewed scrutiny
The allegations come as Harbour’s personal life continues to attract headlines following his split from British singer Lily Allen. The pair, who married in 2020, reportedly separated amid claims of infidelity, some of which Allen appears to reference in her new album West End Girl.
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David Harbour pictured with his estranged wife, Lily Allen, and her two children. Credit: Arturo Holmes / Getty Images.
Across several tracks (including 'Madeline', 'Tennis', and 'Pussy Palace') Allen sings about betrayal, heartbreak, and discovering signs of a double life. One song references finding a shoebox filled with “handwritten letters from brokenhearted women,” while another mentions discovering a bag of sex toys in a New York apartment linked to Harbour.
Despite the deeply personal lyrics, Allen has since said she has moved on emotionally and no longer feels the need for revenge. Harbour, meanwhile, has recently been photographed spending time with Allen’s daughters, Ethel, 13, and Marnie, 12, whom he has helped raise since their marriage.