Millie Bobby Brown has openly addressed her connection with costar David Harbour following circulating reports of a complaint she allegedly made against him during the filming of Stranger Things Season 5. The topic of David Harbour friendship Stranger Things took center stage after rumors suggested behind-the-scenes tensions, prompting Brown to clarify her stance and focus on the strength of their professional relationship.
Strong Public Bond Despite Allegations
In the wake of allegations that Millie Bobby Brown filed a complaint against David Harbour for bullying and harassment on set, she has reinforced her commitment to their longstanding friendship. Brown appeared with Harbour at the Stranger Things Season 5 premiere in Los Angeles, and addressed the controversy during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on November 26. Brown emphasized,
“We love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything,”
—Millie Bobby Brown, Actress. The interview occurred more than two weeks after the costars displayed unity at the event.
Brown, 21, clarified the enduring nature of their relationship, stating,
“We’ve been doing that for the last 10 years,”
and underscored their unity by adding,
“I mean, we have always been united in that.”
Her replies came as news outlets, such as The Daily Mail, published claims of a harassment and bullying complaint filed before the start of filming for the final season. According to the report,
“filed a harassment and bullying claim before they started shooting the last season”
and a source asserted,
“there were pages and pages of accusations,”
describing a months-long investigation.
Throughout Stranger Things, Brown portrays Eleven alongside Harbour, who plays Hawkins police chief Jim Hopper, Eleven’s adoptive father. Part one of the show’s final season was released on a Wednesday, adding public visibility to their interactions.
Clarifying the Nature of the Complaint
The filing did not reportedly include any allegations of sexual misconduct. During the production of Season 5, it was noted that Brown was often accompanied on set by a representative. Representatives for Brown, Harbour, and Netflix were contacted by Us Weekly following the initial reports. Show creators Ross and Matt Duffer commented on the rumored incident at the series premiere, with Ross stating,
“We’ve been doing this for 10 years with this cast, and at this point they’re family and we deeply care about them.”
When asked by Extra about her connection to Harbour, Brown remarked that the two feel
“so lucky to have each other.”
Longstanding Partnership Shaped On and Off Screen
Since 2016, Stranger Things has put a spotlight on the evolving partnership between Brown and Harbour. In a recent Empire Magazine interview, Brown highlighted how her bond with Harbour matured over five seasons. She described their connection:
“David [Harbour, who plays Hopper] and I connected on another level,”
and explained,
“He always looked out for me, and I always annoyed him like a daughter or a younger sister. I was always trying to climb all over him and he was always rolling his eyes and laughing at me.”
This playful yet caring dynamic influenced their characters, as Brown described:
“I think that’s kind of how the El and Hopper relationship really started to develop in the show — it was mirroring our actual lives and our actual relationship.”
Harbour, reflecting on his feelings toward Brown during a 2021 appearance on That Scene with Dan Patrick, said,
“Millie and I have always had sort of a special relationship because I knew her when she was so young. I knew her before any of this big fame hit,”
and elaborated,
“I have a real protective feeling for her. I have a real, like, worry. I worry about her and the fame and all that she has to struggle with. And I’ve just always felt this kind of deep fatherly affection for her.”
Cast Support Amid Public Scrutiny
As anticipation for the conclusion of Stranger Things builds, Harbour has publicly described his younger costars as resilient in the face of fame. In a November interview with Esquire UK, he remarked,
“They’re all pretty good kids. Maybe it’s just because I’m sober, I’m sure everyone’s doing them, but it just feels like kids are not as substance-abusive as my generation was,”
and discussed the importance of artistry in their work:
“One of the real ropes to hang on to in this business for me has been the artistry of what you’re doing.”
Harbour continued, reflecting on the uncertainties of the entertainment industry:
“There are things that are just so beyond your control — whether or not you get box office, or whether or not people like you. All of these things are way beyond your control. But one of the things that you can control is your particular passion for storytelling, for art, for what you want to say, your voice.”
Significance and What the Future Holds
The public discourse surrounding the David Harbour friendship Stranger Things narrative highlights the complexity of working relationships under intense media scrutiny. Despite reports and an extended investigation, Brown and Harbour have shown solidarity in both their personal friendship and professional partnership. The remarks from show creators and cast members indicate a deep mutual respect and commitment to the series. As Stranger Things enters its final chapter, the show’s legacy and the cast’s camaraderie remain at the forefront, signaling continued support amid challenges and intense attention.
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
