Millie Bobby Brown is publicly confirming the strong, unified nature of her relationship with co-star David Harbour, effectively dismissing recent shocking allegations of on-set bullying that surfaced just weeks before the final season premiere of their hit show, Stranger Things. The allegations, which sent ripples through the entertainment industry, centered on a complaint reportedly filed by Brown regarding Harbour’s behavior during the production of the show’s highly anticipated fifth season.
This unified front, which began with a highly visible red-carpet reunion, has now been reinforced by Brown’s recent comments, stressing a decade of shared history and a professional bond she values “more than anything.” Her statements not only provide clarity to fans but also strategically shift the narrative back to the artistic collaboration between the two stars as they conclude the beloved Netflix series.
A Decade of Friendship: Millie Bobby Brown Sets the Record Straight
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter conducted just days after the Stranger Things season five world premiere in Los Angeles, Millie Bobby Brown spoke openly about the dynamic she shares with David Harbour. Her comments arrived at a crucial moment, right on the heels of the widely circulated reports alleging she had filed a complaint against Harbour.
When asked why it was essential for the co-stars—who play the iconic father-daughter duo Eleven and Jim Hopper—to present a united front amidst the accusations, Brown’s response was immediate and focused on their history.
“We’ve been doing that for the last 10 years,” Brown stated, emphasizing the longevity of their connection. “I mean, we have always been united in that. We love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything.”
This direct statement serves as a powerful rebuttal to the claims, positioning their relationship not as a fragile professional necessity but as a deep, long-standing friendship forged over a decade of filming. This focus on their shared commitment to the show and their personal bond has largely succeeded in mitigating the negative press surrounding the initial report.
The Allegations and the Resolution
The initial bombshell report, published on November 1st, alleged that Brown had lodged a formal complaint against the 50-year-old Harbour, accusing him of bullying and harassment before the final season’s principal photography commenced. While the specifics of the alleged claims were not detailed, sources quickly clarified that there was no allegation of sexual impropriety. The story further claimed that an internal investigation by Netflix, lasting several months, had taken place, and as a result, Brown was allegedly accompanied by a personal representative while on set for the fifth season.
However, a subsequent report from Variety confirmed that a complaint had indeed been made but asserted that the matter was resolved following an internal investigation. This swift clarification, coupled with the highly-photographed reunion on the red carpet on November 6th—where Brown and Harbour were seen laughing, smiling, and embracing—served to visually quash the claims for the public. The image of the two actors, side-by-side, radiating warmth and collaboration, became the defining visual counterpoint to the negative headlines.
On-Screen Dynamics Reignited: Eleven and Hopper’s Final Chapter
Beyond addressing their off-screen relationship, Millie Bobby Brown also expressed excitement about the renewed on-screen dynamic with David Harbour in Stranger Things season five. This return to form is significant for fans, as the characters Eleven and Hopper were physically separated for the majority of season four, with Hopper imprisoned in Russia and Eleven living with the Byers family in California.
“It was quite nostalgic because it reminded me so much of season two and three,” Brown explained. “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, and that dynamic definitely comes back into play once again, and I’m really excited for people to see that.”
She went on to describe the Ele and Hopper relationship as the source of “some of people’s favorite scenes of Eleven,” expressing her enthusiasm for bringing that intricate father-daughter dynamic back to the screen for the series’ conclusion. The core of this storyline—the interplay between a powerful young woman finding her independence and a protective, often clumsy, father figure—is a key element that fans are eager to witness once more. This shared artistic commitment highlights the professional focus that the actors maintain, even in the face of intense media scrutiny.
The Production Team Weighs In
The creators and executive producers of Stranger Things also took the opportunity at the L.A. premiere to address the allegations, reinforcing the narrative of a safe and respectful work environment.
Co-creator Ross Duffer, standing alongside his brother Matt Duffer, emphasized the deep personal connection the production team shares with the cast. “Obviously, you understand I can’t get into personal on-set matters,” he began, “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. So, you know, nothing matters more than just having a set where everyone feels safe and happy.”
Similarly, director and executive producer Shawn Levy provided commentary on the production’s stance regarding workplace conduct, without directly confirming or denying the specific complaint.
“You have to create a respectful workplace where everyone feels comfortable and safe, and so we did everything to build that environment. And we’re proud of the fact that we did so,” Levy stated. He also acknowledged the media frenzy: “I’ve read a bunch of stories and they range from wildly inaccurate to … there’s so much noise around it. But the truth is that we view this crew and this cast as family, and so we treat each other with respect, and that’s always been bedrock.”
This collective response from the talent and the production leadership, focusing on ‘family,’ ‘respect,’ and ‘safety,’ represents a coordinated effort to manage the crisis and assure the public and, most importantly, the cast and crew, that their well-being remains the priority.
The End is Here: Conclusion of the Saga
The premiere of Stranger Things season five, Volume 1, which began streaming on November 26th, has officially given fans a first look at the emotional reunion and the final arcs of Eleven and Hopper. The return of their close proximity on screen is a testament to the actors’ ability to maintain a strong professional relationship, regardless of the behind-the-scenes “noise.” With Volume 2 scheduled for release on December 25th and the grand series finale dropping on December 31st, attention is rapidly shifting away from the alleged complaints and back to the terrifying, heartfelt conclusion of one of Netflix’s most successful franchises. Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour’s successful, long-standing collaboration is undoubtedly a cornerstone of that success. Their public demonstration of friendship serves as a final, clear message that the strong bond between the stars remains intact, both on and off the set of Stranger Things.
