Millie Bobby Brown reportedly submitted a formal bullying complaint against her Stranger Things co-star David Harbour prior to shooting the series’ fifth and final season. The complaint was filed ahead of filming, which concluded in December 2024 on the Netflix show that has been in production since 2016.
According to a source cited by the Daily Mail on November 1, Brown, who portrays Eleven, accused Harbour, who plays her adoptive father Jim Hopper, of harassment and bullying. The source said the complaint contained detailed accusations spanning several pages, and an investigation was conducted over several months. Brown’s claims did not involve any sexual misconduct allegations.
Investigation Details and On-Set Representation
During the filming of the last season, Brown had a representative present on set, reportedly to ensure her comfort and safety amid the ongoing inquiry. Despite the seriousness of the claims, none of the parties—including Brown, Harbour, or Netflix—have publicly commented on the matter. Requests for statements from all representatives went unanswered, leaving the situation unaddressed in official channels.
Background on Brown and Harbour’s Professional Relationship
David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown have starred together since the inception of Stranger Things in 2016, portraying a father-daughter relationship that has developed over multiple seasons. The series finale is scheduled for a November 26 release on Netflix, marking the end of a significant cultural phenomenon.
In an interview with Esquire UK earlier in November, Harbour described his connection with the young cast members, emphasizing their generally positive and substance-free attitudes compared to previous generations.
“They’re all pretty good kids. Maybe it’s just because I’m sober, I’m sure everyone’s doing them, but it just feels like kids are not as substance-abusive as my generation was,”
Harbour said.
“One of the real ropes to hang on to in this business for me has been the artistry of what you’re doing,”
he added, highlighting his focus on passion and storytelling amid the unpredictability of fame.
Harbour also reflected on the challenges of youthful recognition in the entertainment industry and the responsibility he feels toward his younger colleagues.
“I think the problem with young fame is that it’s very exciting, you know? It’s very exciting to have people think you’re a genius, but you don’t really want to be a genius at 11 years old,”
he explained, stressing the importance of long-term career growth. Harbour expressed hope that cast members like Gaten Matarazzo will continue to develop artistically throughout their lives.
“I would love to see Gaten play King Lear when he’s 70 years old,”
Harbour stated.
Harbour’s Protective Perspective Toward Young Actors
Harbour likened his concern for his younger co-stars to that of a parental figure, acknowledging the precarious nature of their individual paths.
“As any parent knows, it’s hopeless and nothing works. You just offer what you can and then watch, and you’re just there for them if they need you,”
he said.
“That’s where I discovered my place for them. I’m always here to help them out, but they’re on their own path. It’s a wild path, but they all seem to be doing great.”
Millie Bobby Brown’s Reflections on Growing Up Through Acting
Brown has been open about how her experiences growing up on set influenced her portrayal of Eleven. In a Vanity Fair interview from February, she described incorporating her personal identity struggles into the character.
“I implemented what I was learning as a child, or what I was going through, into her,”
Brown shared. She recalled navigating questions about Eleven’s style and identity, mirroring her own uncertainty about gender expression at that time.
“Is she going to dress as a girl or is she gonna dress in the shirts of her adoptive father, Hopper? Or is she gonna be what her friends are helping her to be? At that time in my life, I didn’t know what I wanted to look like, if I preferred more feminine looks, more masculine looks, more androgynous, more grunge. I implemented that confusion.”
Implications for the Cast and Upcoming Season
The timing of the complaint and the lengthy investigation have cast a shadow over what has been a highly anticipated final chapter for Stranger Things. With such prominent actors involved and no public statements from those directly connected, the full impact remains uncertain. This development highlights the complexities behind the scenes of long-running productions, especially those involving young actors who have grown under intense public scrutiny.
As the final season premieres, viewers and fans are likely to watch not only for the onscreen drama but also with awareness of the offscreen tensions that emerged during the conclusion of this landmark series.
