Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour's Premiere Embrace Fuels Damage Control Speculation Amidst Harassment Allegations

The joint appearance of Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour at the Stranger Things season 5 premiere appeared to be a strategic move, coming amidst recent allegations of workplace harassment.

An unnamed crisis public relations expert suggested to Variety on Friday, November 7, that in such circumstances, the objective is to prevent further harm, implying that the co-stars' public display was a damage control tactic aimed at quelling the current allegations.

Brown, 21, and Harbour, 50, were observed embracing upon their arrival at the red carpet premiere on Thursday, November 6, subsequently joining their fellow Netflix cast members for a group photo session.

This public reconciliation between Brown and Harbour follows reports of an alleged on-set harassment inquiry. Both Variety and The Daily Mail have indicated that Brown reportedly lodged a formal grievance during the production of season 5, alleging bullying by Harbour. To date, Brown, Harbour, and Netflix have not replied to Us Weekly's inquiries for a statement.

Remarks from Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour Regarding Their Collaborative Experience

At the premiere on Thursday, both Brown and Harbour effusively praised their professional camaraderie. (Brown portrays Eleven, the adopted child of Harbour's character, Jim Hopper.)

“It has been an incredible journey,” Brown shared with Extra, speaking about collaborating again with the Thunderbolts star. “We are truly fortunate to have one another. This series holds immense significance for us both, and for everyone involved. It has consumed the past decade of our existence.”

She added, “I have approached each day as if it were the initial day of filming, which perhaps explains why I have clung so tightly to every single moment.”

Meanwhile, Harbour conveyed to Entertainment Tonight his profound “pride” in having performed opposite Brown throughout their years together.

“I have a deep affection for her, and it has been gratifying to witness all of them mature into such accomplished performers,” Harbour stated to the publication. “This specific endeavor is truly unique, and we have developed a profound understanding of one another.”

For his part, Stranger Things producer and director Shawn Levy refuted all harassment claims as he made his way down the red carpet on Thursday.

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“Ultimately, our responsibility is to foster a workplace where respect is paramount and everyone feels secure and at ease,” Levy, 57, explained to The Hollywood Reporter. “We exerted every effort to cultivate such an atmosphere, and we take pride in having achieved that.”

Levy additionally suggested that the information concerning Brown’s grievance was “extremely inaccurate.”

“Despite the considerable speculation surrounding this, the reality is that we regard this crew and cast as a family,” he declared. “Mutual respect has always been our fundamental principle.”

Prior to these allegations of harassment, both Brown and Harbour had discussed their shared filming experiences in separate magazine features.

“They are generally commendable young people. Perhaps it's my sobriety, but while I'm sure others indulge, it seems to me that young individuals are not as prone to substance abuse as my peer group once was,” Harbour remarked to Esquire UK earlier this month. “For me, a crucial anchor in this industry has been the artistic integrity of one's work.”

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He proceeded, “Many aspects are simply beyond one's influence — whether a film succeeds commercially, or if public opinion favors you. These elements are entirely outside your grasp. However, what you can command is your unique enthusiasm for narrative, for artistic expression, for your message, your distinct perspective.”

Brown, on her part, had shared with Empire that Harbour consistently “offered guidance” on set, right from the first season.

“I routinely pestered him as a child or sibling would,” she recounted to the publication. “I constantly attempted to clamber onto him, and he would invariably react with an eye-roll and a laugh. I believe this dynamic largely informed how the bond between El and Hopper evolved within the series — it mirrored our authentic experiences and connection.”

The fifth season of Stranger Things is scheduled to debut on Netflix on Wednesday, November 26.