After some initial doubt, Millie Bobby Brown did file a complaint against co-star David Harbour, Variety’s sources have confirmed.
When the Daily Mail reported that the young star had accused her on-screen adopted father of harassment and bullying in “pages and pages” of accusations, many readers were quick to note the reports came from a friend of Harbour’s ex-wife, Lily Allen, with whom he had an allegedly turbulent relationship. The claims also surfaced just as Allen released a tell-all breakup album, which some speculated might boost interest in her new music.
Still, the timing could not have been worse for Netflix, as it was preparing to debut the fifth and final season of the hit series. Shortly after the rumors started, Netflix hosted the red carpet world premiere where Brown and Harbour appeared perfectly comfortable together.
Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour take photos together on the carpet for Stranger Things 5 World Premiere.pic.twitter.com/vlq1Mq4ql5
— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) November 7, 2025
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Now we know, however, that this wasn’t always the case.
The Timeline is Unclear
Just when Brown made her complaints is in question. Deadline notes that, “There was a tiff between Brown and Harbour, and she did complain about his behavior, however it might not have been as recent as the report suggested but earlier in the series’ run. It was dealt with, and there haven’t been issues since, sources said.”
Since Stranger Things has been in production since 2016, when Brown was 12 years old, it’s possible that any issues between her and Harbour had been smoothed over long before the report in the Daily Mail. At the recent premiere, Brown told ExtraTV that she and David Harbour are “lucky to have each other.”
Millie Bobby Brown says she and David Harbour are “lucky to have each other” and that #StrangerThings “means so much to both of us.” pic.twitter.com/XXEjpYDNl5
— ExtraTV (@extratv) November 7, 2025
Regardless of the timeline, sources close to the situation told Variety that Netflix once conducted an investigation into complaints filed by Brown. But more importantly, that the matter with Harbour was resolved. Specific details will remain sealed, and representatives for all parties have declined requests for comment.
Netflix undoubtedly wants this to fade away and not risk overshadowing the next chapter of Stranger Things, which hits the streamer later this month.
All We Can Know for Sure
While none of the parties directly involved can address the rumors or provide more information, The Hollywood Reporter asked Stranger Things co-creators Ross and Matt Duffer about the allegations.
Ross Duffer replied, “Obviously, you understand I can’t get into personal on-set matters, 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.”
A scene from the teaser trailer for Stranger Things 5 – YouTube, Netflix
Director and executive producer Shawn Levy was more blunt: “I’ve read a bunch of stories and they range from wildly inaccurate to … there’s so much noise around it,” Levy said. “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.”
For now, the shadow that was recently cast over Stranger Things seems to have passed. The first part of season five arrives November 26th.
Are you surprised there was actually an issue between Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
