Here’s What a “Stranger Things” Producer Said About the Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour Bullying Allegations
The hit series Stranger Things is under the spotlight — not just for its upcoming final season, but for swirling reports of on-set tension between stars Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour. The story begins with an article in the Daily Mail claiming that Brown filed a harassment and bullying complaint against Harbour ahead of filming for Season 5, and that an internal investigation had been underway for months. New York Post+3People.com+3EW.com+3
What was reported
- According to the Daily Mail article, Brown allegedly filed a “harassment and bullying claim” against Harbour before the final season began production. The article claimed there were “pages and pages of accusations” and that the investigation lasted months. People.com+1
- The matter reportedly did not involve sexual misconduct, but was described as bullying and harassment. EW.com+1
- The production team from Netflix and the actors have not publicly confirmed the exact details of the claim or investigation. Cosmopolitan+1
What producer Shawn Levy said
At the premiere event for Season 5, executive producer and director Shawn Levy addressed how the production team handles on-set dynamics and allegations. His comments included:
- “At the end of the day, that’s the job — you have to create a respectful workplace where everyone feels comfortable and safe.” Cosmopolitan+1
- “I’ve read a bunch of stories and they range from wildly inaccurate … there’s so much noise around it. 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.” EW.com+1
- He reaffirmed pride in the culture built on the show’s set, emphasizing the importance of safety and respect for every cast and crew member. Cosmopolitan
What the showrunners (the Duffer Brothers) said
Ross Duffer (alongside his brother Matt Duffer) also commented, saying:
- “We’ve been doing this for 10 years with this cast, and at this point they’re family … nothing matters more than just having a set where everyone feels safe and happy.” People.com+1
- Ross stressed he could not comment on specific on-set matters, but the overarching message was one of trust, care, and long-standing relationships. EW.com+1
How this plays out publicly
- At the Season 5 premiere, Brown and Harbour appeared together on the red carpet, laughing, hugging, and interacting in a friendly manner — which may suggest that publicly they are projecting unity, regardless of the internal story. People.com+1
- The producers’ remarks seem purposefully general — none of them have publicly detailed the investigation’s findings or confirmed the specific allegations. Instead, the emphasis is on workplace culture and the collective “family” of cast and crew.
Why this matters
- In high-profile productions like Stranger Things (which has been hugely influential for Netflix and pop culture broadly), reports of internal friction draw attention not only to the individuals but to how sets are run, how allegations are handled, and how workplace culture is maintained.
- For fans, seeing key players appear unified helps reassure the audience about the show’s stability and upcoming season.
- For the industry, the case underscores how bullying and harassment claims – even when not involving sexual misconduct – demand serious, transparent attention, especially when they involve major talent.
My take
Levy’s and the Duffer Brothers’ responses tread a delicate line: they’re affectionate toward their cast, emphasize safety and respect, but also push back against “noise” and unverified stories. By calling the show’s culture a “family” and stressing respect, they’re setting a public tone that aims to calm concerns without getting drawn into the specifics of the claim.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the claim is false or resolved — it means the production is choosing to handle it internally (or has done so) and publicly remain focused on the coming season. For fans and critics alike, it throws a spotlight on how big-budget shows must navigate internal conflict while maintaining their brand and morale.
