Millie Bobby Brown Denies Bullying Claims Against David Harbour
Millie Bobby Brown has addressed the nature of her relationship with David Harbour, following claims that she lodged a formal grievance against her Stranger Things colleague, alleging bullying and harassment during the production of its fifth season.
“Our dedication to this series is immense, and our bond is something we cherish above all else,” the 21-year-old Brown shared with The Hollywood Reporter in a piece released on Wednesday, November 26, over two weeks after the actors were seen smiling side-by-side at the Netflix show's season 5 launch event in Los Angeles.
“We've maintained that stance for a decade,” the star stated when questioned about the significance of her unified front with Harbour, 50, subsequent to the purported complaint becoming public knowledge. “To be clear, our solidarity has always been unwavering.”
On Saturday, November 1, the Daily Mail ran an article asserting that the actress “submitted a formal complaint concerning harassment and bullying prior to the commencement of filming the final season” of the popular Netflix production. An insider informed the publication that “the allegations filled many pages,” prompting an inquiry that “persisted for several months.”
Brown portrays Eleven in Stranger Things, while Harbour, 50, takes on the role of Jim Hopper, the chief of police in Hawkins, who ultimately becomes Eleven's foster dad. The first installment of the series' concluding season became available on Wednesday.
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It was reported that Brown's formal document contained no allegations of sexual impropriety. During the filming of season 5, Brown reportedly had an appointed representative present on set.
Us Weekly contacted the representatives for Brown, Harbour, and Netflix upon the initial reporting of the complaint.
Earlier this month, when THR inquired about the supposed occurrence with series creators Ross and Matt Duffer at the premiere, Ross responded, “We've collaborated with this cast for a decade, and now they are like family to us; we hold deep affection for them.” Brown was also questioned about her connection with Harbour on the red carpet, communicating to Extra that they both feel “incredibly fortunate to have one another.”
Ever since Stranger Things launched in 2016, Brown and Harbour have been open about their professional rapport. Brown recently discussed the deepening of her connection with Harbour over the course of the show's five seasons in an interview with Empire Magazine.
“David [Harbour, who portrays Hopper] and I formed a unique connection,” she stated. “He consistently watched over me, and I would constantly bother him, much like a daughter or a younger sibling. I was perpetually trying to clamber over him, and he would invariably react with an eye-roll and a laugh.”
Their dynamic outside of filming also influenced their on-screen character interactions. “I believe that's precisely how the bond between El and Hopper truly began to evolve within the series — it reflected our real lives and our authentic relationship.”
Harbour, conversely, had previously confessed to a “protective” sentiment toward Brown. “Millie and I have consistently shared a unique connection because I met her at a very young age. I knew her prior to the onset of all this widespread fame,” he revealed on “That Scene with Dan Patrick” in 2021. “I genuinely feel protective of her. I harbor a sincere, like, concern. I worry about her and the renown, and all the challenges she faces. And I've simply always harbored this profound paternal affection for her.”
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Prior to the concluding season of Stranger Things, Harbour commended his younger castmates for their adept handling of public life amidst the show's triumph.
“They're all quite decent young individuals. Perhaps it's merely my sobriety, I'm certain everyone has their own journey, but it seems as though younger generations aren't as prone to substance abuse as my generation was,” Harbour conveyed to Esquire UK in a November feature. “For me, one of the steadfast anchors in this industry has been the creative essence of one's work.”
He added, “Certain aspects are simply entirely out of your hands — such as box office success, or public approval. These elements are completely outside your influence. However, an aspect you can govern is your individual fervor for narrative, for artistic expression, for your message, your unique perspective.”
