Actress Addresses On-Set Relationship Amidst Controversy
Millie Bobby Brown has publicly addressed the working relationship with her Stranger Things co-star David Harbour, firmly stating she felt completely secure while filming alongside him. This declaration comes directly in response to an exclusive Daily Mail report from last month that alleged the 21-year-old actress had submitted extensive bullying and harassment complaints against Harbour, who is 50.
The young star chose to speak out during a recent interview with Deadline, where she emphasised their close bond and great relationship that has developed over nearly a decade of collaboration. Brown plays Eleven, the powerful lab escapee, while Harbour portrays Chief Hopper, her eventual guardian in the hit Netflix series.
A Decade of Professional Collaboration
When questioned about her sense of security working with Harbour, Brown responded unequivocally: "Of course I felt safe with Harbour. We've worked together for 10 years." She expanded on this point, noting that "I feel safe with everyone on that set. You naturally just... you've been doing it for so long."
The actress explained that their professional dynamic has been strengthened by their characters' father-daughter relationship within the show's narrative. "We also play father and daughter so naturally you have a closer bond than the rest," Brown noted, adding that "we have had some intense scenes together."
She described their working method as particularly collaborative, stating: "David and I have a great relationship, we work really closely together in the scenes and in preparing for the scenes."
Contrasting Reports and Public Appearances
This positive portrayal stands in stark contrast to previous reports suggesting significant tension behind the scenes. Sources had informed the Daily Mail that Brown filed pages and pages of accusations against Harbour ahead of filming the show's fifth and final season, scheduled for release in 2024.
According to these sources, the complaints triggered an internal investigation by Netflix that continued for several months. Importantly, the allegations did not include any claims of sexual misconduct. The outcome of this investigation remains undisclosed, as Netflix has maintained complete silence on the matter, as have representatives for Brown.
Despite these reports, both actors presented a united front at the season five premiere in Hollywood shortly after the story broke. They shared a warm embrace and appeared to be laughing together during photo opportunities. However, body language expert Judi James analysed their interaction for the Daily Mail, suggesting their cheerful display seemed somewhat forced, describing their exaggerated gestures as "overkill."
Brown told Extra on the red carpet: "We're so lucky to have each other. The show means so much to the both of us and to everyone here."
The actress expressed particular excitement about the culmination of their characters' journey, stating she was "really excited" for audiences to witness the closure of their relationship in the final season. She promised that their hard work would deliver satisfying resolution for fans of the Eleven-Hopper dynamic.
"It makes me want to bring my A-game every time I see I'm on the call sheet working with him because I know he's bringing it right back," Brown gushed about their professional rapport.
The timing of Brown's alleged complaints coincided with separate personal challenges for Harbour, as his ex-wife Lily Allen appeared to reference infidelity in her new album, West End Girl.
Netflix representatives declined to comment on the investigation revelations, while representatives for Harbour and the Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, did not respond to requests for comment. A source close to the situation commented on the streaming giant's silence: "Netflix will never comment on an internal investigation, but the fact they've not denied it speaks volumes."
The source added, acknowledging the show's significance: "Stranger Things helped put Netflix on the map. Millions of fans around the world have been anticipating the finale. No one wants anything to take attention away from that."
