Millie Bobby Brown Accuses Co-Star David Harbour of "Bullying and Harassment" Ahead of 'Stranger Things' Final Season

The world of 'Stranger Things' has always been filled with tension, mystery, and drama—but now, the real-life set of the beloved Netflix series finds itself at the center of controversy. Millie Bobby Brown, who has been playing the beloved character Eleven since 2016, has allegedly accused her co-star David Harbour of "bullying and harassment" in a formal complaint. 

The accusations come just days before the show's fifth and final season, casting a shadow over what was expected to be a celebratory conclusion to one of television's biggest cultural phenomena. The off-screen drama is generating a lot of industry and public conjecture, especially now that Netflix has confirmed that an internal inquiry has been started.

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Millie Bobby Brown's Complaint and the Fallout

Playing the telekinetic heroine Eleven since she was twelve, Millie Bobby Brown, now twenty-one, grew up on the 'Stranger Things' set. According to her complaint, she felt "belittled and intimidated" while filming because of David Harbour's practice of bullying behavior. Media outlets were informed by those close to the production that Brown has sent in a multi-page dossier detailing many occurrences that occurred in the last few months. 

The complaint, however, makes clear that the allegations do not involve any form of sexual misconduct. Netflix has since initiated a formal internal investigation, interviewing cast and crew members to determine the extent of the claims. Insiders claim that despite Brown's lack of public remarks, the young actress felt obliged to speak up in order to guarantee a safe and courteous workplace for the entire cast, and not just for herself.

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David Harbour's Response and Personal Turmoil

David Harbour, 50, is best known for his portrayal of Chief Jim Hopper—the gruff yet loving father figure to Brown's Eleven. Their bond has been one of the emotional cores of the series, making the allegations particularly shocking for fans. Following reports of his recent divorce from singer Lily Allen, Harbour's personal life has also been in turmoil off-screen.

While Harbour has yet to comment publicly on Brown's claims, reports suggest he was "taken aback" by the accusations and has been cooperating with Netflix's internal inquiry. 

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Instead of physical or sexual misbehavior, the lawsuit allegedly focuses on verbal intimidation and instances of heated on-set discussions. The timing, which aligns with Harbour's personal difficulties, has heightened public interest and speculation around the collaborations on one of Netflix's most recognizable shows.

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Impact on the Final Season and the Cast

The final season of 'Stranger Things'—already one of the most anticipated TV events of 2025—now faces unexpected turbulence. According to reports, some parts of production have been stalled by the internal probe as Netflix attempts to handle the legal and PR ramifications. Although a number of sources assert that tensions were evident on set even prior to the complaint being filed, co-stars have not spoken out on the matter.

However, insiders maintain that the company is committed to making sure the historic farewell season isn't overshadowed by the off-camera drama. "It will be a theatrical event. Nothing is going to overshadow this, not even the leading man's private life," a source was quoted as saying. As fans eagerly await Eleven's final chapter, the controversy serves as a reminder that even the most cherished stories in the world may experience their darkest moments behind the scenes.

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As the show edges toward its conclusion, the original cast—Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), David Harbour (Hopper), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), and Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers)—are set to reunite for what has been described as the show's most ambitious season yet.

The release schedule for 'Stranger Things 5' was recently confirmed by Netflix. The first volume will be released on 26th November, 2025, followed by Volume 2 on 25th December, 2025, and the last episode on 31st December, 2025.

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