Millie Bobby Brown felt safe working with David Harbour, cites father-daughter bond

Actor Millie Bobby Brown responded to recent reports of a bullying complaint against David Harbour by affirming that she felt safe working with her Stranger Things co-star. The development follows a report by Daily Mail claiming that Brown "filed a harassment and bullying claim" against Harbour before filming began for the Netflix show's fifth season.

The complaint reportedly included "there were pages and pages of accusations," and the subsequent investigation "went on for months." Neither Netflix nor representatives for Brown and Harbour have commented directly on the specifics of the complaint or the investigation.

During the promotion of Stranger Things Season 5, Brown addressed the situation while speaking to Deadline and said, "Of course I felt safe. I mean, we've worked together for 10 years, and I feel safe with everyone on that set. You naturally just, you know ... you've been doing it for so long." Brown, who portrays Eleven, emphasised her comfort on set and the longstanding working relationships she shares with fellow cast members, particularly Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, her character's adoptive father.

The show’s creators have also been asked about the on-set environment, with co-creator Ross Duffer commenting, "Can’t get into personal on-set matters."

Brown further described her connection with Harbour as both professional and positive, stating, "But David and I have a great relationship. We work really closely together in the scenes and in preparing for the scenes. And I really am excited for everyone to see the labour of love, and hard work we put into the closure of our relationship, and what that looks like." She highlighted the collaborative dynamic and anticipation for their performances in the upcoming season.

The familial atmosphere on the Stranger Things set was also noted by Duffer, who said, "But I will say 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," Brown added, "a really special bond" exists with Harbour, and remarked, "It’s been so special to have him along the journey for me." Harbour responded to the ongoing support by stating, "I adore her."

Reflecting on the unique nature of their on-screen and off-screen relationship, Brown said, "We also play father and daughter, so naturally you have a closer bond than the rest, because we have had some really intense scenes together, especially in season 2," while castmate Noah Schnapp interjected, "Not a closer bond than us," to which Brown replied, "No, of course not. Very different, very different." As the fifth season premieres, viewers will see the outcome of their decade-long collaboration and the significant scenes between their characters.

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix. Volume 2 drops on December 25, with the series finale set to release on January 1.