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David Harbour finally addresses Millie Bobby Brown 'bullying' claims
Michelle H.
David Harbour has finally addressed reports that Millie Bobby Brown filed a bullying and harassment complaint against him before production on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, insisting the pair have moved past any disagreement and remain close.
The actor, who played Jim Hopper opposite Brown’s Eleven for a decade, spoke candidly about the claims during a new interview with Variety, describing the situation as far less dramatic than headlines suggested.
Reports first surfaced in November, claiming Brown had filed a complaint against Harbour ahead of filming for season five. Now, Harbour says the story took on a life of its own.
“In this weird world we live in, where sound bites will be created, I’m trying to figure out how to say this," Harbour said. “It’s a show that went on for 10 years. We worked together for 10 years during her formative teenage years, playing father and daughter. I don’t know if people have families and friends that you spend a lot of time with for 10 years — you occasionally get in arguments, disagreements.”
Harbour says the disagreement was resolved
While acknowledging that disagreements can happen after working together for such a long period, Harbour explained that outside involvement complicated matters.
He noted that arguments are normal within families and close friendships, but said being part of a hugely successful television series often means many people become involved in personal disputes.
According to Harbour, the issue between himself and Brown was ultimately straightforward.
“It was just a simple rupture-and-repair thing that, once we cleared everybody out of the way and talked to each other, we’re fine," he said. "Everyone nowadays is very scared of talking about things. People are very scared of being human. It’s unfortunate, because I don’t know how to navigate this weird media world. But it was completely normal, and we adore each other and always have.”
A special bond beyond Stranger Things
Harbour also suggested fans have not seen the last of the duo working together.
“You’ll see more of me and Millie," he teased. "Ten years wasn’t enough. There is a special bond there. I love her. She loves me.”
Brown also addressed the situation in comments shared with Variety, reflecting on how their relationship evolved throughout the show's run.
“Obviously, I changed so much from season 1 to season 5, and David was there through all of it,” she wrote.
“Over time, our relationship became much more collaborative creatively. When you work with someone for that many years, we could really push each other emotionally in scenes. Even though the series has ended, there’s still a lot of gratitude. Getting to share that experience with him for so many years is something I’ll always remember and value.”
Brown previously defended Harbour
Brown has also publicly backed her longtime co-star in previous interviews.
Ahead of the Stranger Things season five premiere, she told Deadline that she “of course” felt safe around Harbour on set.
“Of course I felt safe. I mean, we've worked together for 10 years,” she said. “I feel safe with everyone on that set. You naturally just, you know ... you've been doing it for so long.”
She also told The Hollywood Reporter that she and Harbour "love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything."
After years of playing one of television’s most beloved father-daughter pairings, both stars appear eager to leave the rumors behind, with Harbour making it clear that their friendship remains intact long after Stranger Things came to an end.