There’s new drama brewing in Hawkins — and this time, it’s happening off-screen.
According to the Daily Mail, Millie Bobby Brown reportedly filed a detailed harassment and bullying complaint against her Stranger Things co-star David Harbour before production kicked off for the show’s fifth and final season.
A source told the outlet that Brown, 21, who’s played the telekinetic Eleven since she was just 12 years old, raised serious concerns about Harbour, who stars as her on-screen father, Chief Jim Hopper. “There were pages and pages of accusations,” the insider shared, adding that “the investigation went on for months.”
While the full scope and findings of the investigation remain under wraps, the Daily Mail noted that Brown’s allegations “did not include claims of sexual impropriety.” Still, the actress reportedly took measures to protect herself during filming. Brown was said to have had a personal legal representative on set at all times throughout production — a clear indication that she was taking no chances.
Given that Harbour and Brown’s characters share one of the most emotionally charged and intertwined relationships on the series, the behind-the-scenes tension reportedly made filming a challenge.
This isn’t the first time Stranger Things has faced claims of an unhealthy work environment. Back in 2018, a crew member accused the production of fostering a toxic atmosphere and pointed fingers at series creators Matt and Ross Duffer — better known as the Duffer Brothers. However, Netflix conducted an internal investigation at the time and, according to CBS News, found “no wrongdoing.”
As for Harbour, he’s had a tough year personally. The actor is currently navigating a very public split from wife Lily Allen. The singer recently released her first album in seven years, West End Girl, which she described as being inspired by their rocky breakup. On the record, Allen doesn’t hold back, with lyrics that reportedly detail intimate and painful aspects of their relationship. Despite the timing, the Daily Mail’s source insists Harbour’s Stranger Things controversy “was completely unrelated” to the marital fallout. “Lily supported him throughout it all,” they said. “It was a brutal time.”
Meanwhile, Brown has been moving full steam ahead with her life outside Hawkins. Earlier this year, she married actor Jake Bongiovi — yes, the son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi — and recently made headlines for adopting a baby girl.
As for what’s next, fans are still eagerly awaiting the end of Stranger Things. Netflix has confirmed the long-anticipated final season will be released in three parts: the first batch of four episodes arrives November 26, followed by three more on Christmas Day. The epic two-hour finale will drop in select theaters and on Netflix on New Year’s Eve.
Whether the on-set tension seeps into the final cut remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: Season 5 is already shaping up to be as dramatic behind the scenes as it is on screen.
