Recent allegations of bullying and harassment leveled against David Harbour by Millie Bobby Brown created a tense atmosphere ahead of the Stranger Things Season 5 premiere. However, the red carpet appearances of the co-stars suggested a more amicable resolution.
Addressing the Controversy
The Daily Mail published a report last week detailing accusations made by Brown against Harbour. The complaint, reportedly lodged in early 2024, led to a months-long investigation. According to an insider speaking with the outlet, the allegations included “pages and pages of accusations” related to bullying and harassment.
During the premiere, instead of avoiding each other, Brown and Harbour spent considerable time interacting and posing together in front of photographers. Body language expert Judi James described their interactions as “overkill,” suggesting a deliberate effort to project an image of friendliness. One clip showed Brown approaching Harbour with what James interpreted as a mimed joke – pretending to sign an autograph close to his face while he responded with delighted laughter. Later, Harbour reciprocated with a hug, appearing “delighted to see her.”
Show Creators Weigh In
Ross Duffer, one of the co-creators of Stranger Things, addressed the situation in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. While declining to discuss specific details of the internal investigation, he emphasized the importance of a safe and happy work environment for the entire cast and crew, who have been working together for a decade. “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 Return to Normalcy?
Both Brown and Harbour seemed eager to move past the controversy. Brown, speaking to Extra on the red carpet, expressed the significance of the show in both of their lives. “The show is means so much to the both of us and to everyone here. This has, like, been the last 10 years of our lives. So, we’ve dedicated a lot of it, and we’re so excited to see that come to screen.”
The appearance of Brown and Harbour at the premiere, showing camaraderie and apparent ease, suggests that the Netflix production has successfully navigated the situation. It remains to be seen how these allegations will impact the final season of the beloved show, but the public-facing message clearly indicates a return to normalcy.
