By Tasnim Oyshi
Staff Writer
With the release of the widely anticipated final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” coming up on Nov. 26, fans have been excited. There have been interviews and promotional materials coming out leading up to the date that have only fueled people’s expectations. However, rumors about David Harbour, who plays police chief Jim Hopper in the show, bullying Millie Bobby Brown, who stars as Eleven and Hopper’s adopted daughter, have been circulating on the internet as of late.
In an article by the Daily Mail published on Nov. 1, an anonymous source spoke out about tension between the two actors, specifically prior to filming the fifth season. “Millie Bobby Brown filed a harassment and bullying claim before they started shooting the last season,” the source stated. “There were pages and pages of accusations. The investigation went on for months.”
The Daily Mail apparently reached out to Netflix for a comment about whether any investigations have taken place but they declined the request. While many people have been talking about the situation online, the validity of these claims have not been confirmed by the streaming service or either of the stars.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter during the season five premiere on Nov. 6, executive producer Shawn Levy said, “I've read a bunch of the stories and they range from wildly inaccurate to you know.” He added, “There's so much noise around it but the truth is that we view this crew and this cast as family and so we treat each other with respect and that's always been bedrock.”
Creators of the show, Matt and Ross Duffer, were also asked about the situation. “I obviously, as you understand, I can't get into, like, personal onset matters, but I will say this,” said Ross Duffer. “We've been doing this for 10 years with this cast and at this point, they're family and we deeply care about them. So, you know, nothing matters more than just having a set where everyone feels safe and happy.”
Harbour has been under fire recently after estranged wife Lily Allen, from whom he separated earlier this year, put out her album, “West End Girl.” Many of the lyrics alluded to Harbour’s alleged years-long affair with a costume designer throughout the course of their marriage.
The recent claims of him bullying Brown have only added to the public opinion against him at the moment. However, the two did not seem to have a problem at the premiere. There were photos of them talking, hugging and laughing together at the event.
Brown and Harbour both spoke fondly of each other during different interviews. “I obviously had a really special bond with David because we have a father-daughter relationship, and we do every scene together. And you’ll really get to see that, you know, in season five,” she told Entertainment Weekly.
Harbour also spoke to Entertainment Weekly and talked about how he “adores” Brown and is proud of her. As of now, there have not been any updates regarding the statements made by the Daily Mail and their source. Brown and Harbour seem to be getting along well, as seen at the premiere. Fans will be able to watch the two as father and daughter on Netflix when the first part of season five airs on Nov. 26.
