Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour: A Decade of Friendship Amid Recent Controversy
In a recent interview with Deadline, 21-year-old Millie Bobby Brown addressed the nature of her working relationship with her “Stranger Things” co-star David Harbour, following reports of alleged on-set bullying. Brown, who has portrayed the character Eleven for nearly a decade alongside Harbour’s Jim Hopper, emphatically stated, “Of course I felt safe, I mean, we’ve worked together for 10 years. I feel safe with everyone on that set.” Her comments come at a particularly sensitive time, as the Netflix series approaches its fifth and final season, and amid a swirl of media attention regarding their professional dynamic. The actress emphasized that their on-screen father-daughter relationship naturally fostered a close bond between them, particularly due to the emotionally intense scenes they’ve shared throughout the show’s run. “David and I have a great relationship,” Brown explained, expressing excitement for audiences to witness “the closure of our relationship” in the upcoming season.
Early November saw troubling headlines when The Daily Mail published a report claiming Brown had “filed a harassment and bullying claim” against Harbour before filming began on the final season. According to unnamed sources, the complaint contained “pages and pages of accusations” that prompted an investigation lasting months. While the report stated that Brown’s filing didn’t include allegations of sexual misconduct, it suggested that the young actress had a representative accompanying her during the season 5 shoot as a protective measure. Neither Brown, Harbour, nor Netflix provided immediate comments when the story first broke, leaving fans and industry observers to speculate about the nature of the alleged conflict between the two stars who had seemingly maintained a close professional relationship since the show’s inception in 2016.
Despite the allegations, Brown and Harbour appeared to present a unified front at the world premiere of “Stranger Things” season 5 in Los Angeles on November 6, just days after the report surfaced. Social media accounts for both Netflix and the show shared videos showing the pair embracing and joking around with fans on the red carpet, suggesting a cordial relationship contrary to the reported tension. When later questioned by The Hollywood Reporter about why she chose to stand united with Harbour following the allegations, Brown’s response was straightforward: “We’ve been doing that for the last 10 years. I mean, we have always been united in that.” Her comments seemed to imply that their public camaraderie wasn’t a new development designed to counter negative publicity, but rather a continuation of their long-standing relationship.
The depth of Brown and Harbour’s working relationship appears to have been strengthened by the nature of their on-screen dynamic. In the interview with Deadline, Brown explained that playing father and daughter naturally created a closer bond than she might share with other cast members. “We have had some really intense scenes together, especially in season 2,” she noted, suggesting that the emotional vulnerability required for these moments fostered genuine connection. This professional intimacy seems to have translated into a mutual respect that has withstood the test of time – and potentially recent challenges. Brown’s statement that “We love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything” suggests that whatever issues may have arisen, the pair remain committed to their shared creative journey and the completion of the series that launched both of their careers to new heights.
The reported tension between the actors takes on additional context when considering Harbour’s previously expressed concerns about child stardom. In an Esquire UK interview published coincidentally on the same day as The Daily Mail’s report, Harbour reflected on the potential pitfalls of fame at a young age. “I think the problem with young fame is that it’s very exciting, you know? It’s very exciting to have people think you’re a genius, but you don’t really want to be a genius at 11 years old,” he stated, referencing Brown’s age when the series began filming. He added, “Any sort of protégé… I mean, look at what happened to Mozart or whatever. It’s not a long life.” These comments reveal Harbour’s awareness of the unique pressures faced by his younger co-stars, though they don’t directly address his personal interactions with them on set.
As “Stranger Things” prepares to conclude its groundbreaking run, the relationship between two of its central stars represents both the challenges and triumphs of long-term creative collaborations. Brown and Harbour’s decade-long professional partnership has spanned formative years in Brown’s life – from childhood through young adulthood – within an intense working environment that demands emotional authenticity and vulnerability. While the full details of any behind-the-scenes conflict remain private, Brown’s recent public statements suggest a desire to focus on the positive aspects of their working relationship and the creative legacy they’ve built together. As she told Deadline regarding their final season together, she is “excited for everyone to see the labor of love and hard work we’ve put into the closure of our relationship and what that looks like.” Whatever transpired between takes, it seems both actors are committed to delivering a satisfying conclusion to the story that has defined their careers and captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
