At the Stranger Things season 5 premiere on November 6 in Los Angeles, Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour shared a warm hug on the red carpet, drawing attention amid recent reports of bullying allegations. Their unexpected reunion highlighted ongoing tensions between the co-stars, with the Millie Bobby Brown reunion now taking center stage at the Netflix event.
Red Carpet Reunion Amid Recent Controversy
Millie Bobby Brown, 21, and David Harbour, 50, appeared together at the highly publicized world premiere of Stranger Things season 5. Footage released by Netflix and Stranger Things’ official Instagram showed the actors embracing and engaging playfully with fans, an interaction that seemed to contrast with the reports that surfaced just days earlier. On November 1, it was reported that Brown had filed a harassment and bullying complaint against Harbour before filming the show’s latest season began.
Details of the Harassment Allegations
According to sources cited by the Daily Mail, the claim brought forth by Brown included extensive accusations, described as “pages and pages” detailing alleged bullying by Harbour. Brown, who plays Eleven, reportedly accused Harbour—who portrays her adoptive father, Jim Hopper—of mistreatment on set, though no sexual misconduct was mentioned. An investigation followed to examine these claims, lasting several months, though no findings have been publicly disclosed.
During the filming of season 5, which was completed in December 2024, Brown reportedly had a representative present on set as a precaution. Despite reaching out for official statements, neither Brown, Harbour, nor Netflix has addressed the allegations publicly to date.
David Harbour Reflects on Supporting Young Stars
Harbour has been a part of Stranger Things since its inception in 2016, acting alongside Brown from the start. In a profile for Esquire UK, he candidly discussed the challenges and excitement of witnessing young actors gain sudden fame. Highlighting the intensity of early success, Harbour remarked,
“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 further compared this to historical child prodigies, stating,
“Any sort of protégé … I mean, look at what happened to Mozart or whatever. It’s not a long life.”
Harbour expressed his desire for the younger cast members to develop their talents fully throughout their careers, saying he hoped they could
“explore their artistry and their instruments to the fullest of their potential.”
He acknowledged the worry he experienced in trying to provide guidance while respecting their autonomy:
“I would get very worried for them, but 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.”
Additionally, Harbour shared how he found a supportive role as a mentor without intruding:
“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.”
Tensions Between Brown and Harbour Hint at Complicated Relationship
While Harbour spoke affectionately about his youthful co-stars, Brown seemed to express some ambivalence toward Harbour in a resurfaced March 2024 MTV interview. Discussing her wedding plans with Jake Bongiovi, which took place in May 2024, Brown joked about a Stranger Things-themed ceremony where she considered shaving her head like Eleven. However, when asked if Harbour would officiate, her response was hesitant: “Yes,” she said with a pause and repeated “yes” more uncertainly. She added,
“I don’t know how I feel [about that]. Sure,”
while laughing.
Brown ultimately chose Matthew Modine, who plays Martin Brenner on the show, to marry her and Bongiovi. She later explained on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that upon Jake’s proposal, she immediately knew Modine was the right officiant. Brown said,
“The second Jake proposed, I said, ‘I know who needs to marry us. It’s my papa.’”
Personal Milestones Following the Show
Brown and Bongiovi have since welcomed a daughter through adoption, announcing the expansion of their family in August 2024. This milestone marked a significant chapter for Brown beyond her Stranger Things career, which has been closely watched by fans and the media alike. The interplay between her personal life and professional challenges adds context to the ongoing discussions about her work environment and relationships on set.
What the Future Holds for the Cast
While the exact details and outcomes of the bullying investigation remain undisclosed, Brown and Harbour’s public reunion at the Stranger Things premiere suggests an effort to maintain professionalism despite underlying tension. Their history spans nearly a decade, with Harbour having served as a steady presence as the younger cast grew into global stardom.
The attention on these developments highlights broader conversations about workplace conduct within the entertainment industry, especially involving young actors. Fans and observers will likely watch for further statements or resolutions as the Stranger Things franchise moves forward, with season 5 primed to conclude the iconic series’ run.
