Inside the Bombshell: Millie Bobby Brown Allegedly Filed a Harassment & Bullying Complaint Against David Harbour Before Filming the Final Season of Stranger Things
The final season of Stranger Things is already one of the most anticipated TV events of the decade — but now, it’s overshadowed by controversy. According to multiple reports, Millie Bobby Brown, 21, filed a formal harassment and bullying complaint against her longtime co-star David Harbour, 50, ahead of filming the show’s fifth and final season.
Sources tell PEOPLE that the complaint, which was reportedly “pages and pages long,” did not include any allegations of sexual misconduct, but did prompt an internal investigation by Netflix that lasted several months. Representatives for Brown, Harbour, and Netflix have declined to comment, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about what really happened behind the scenes.
The filing, reportedly made late in 2024, came just before cameras started rolling on the final season earlier this year. According to The Sun and The Wrap, Brown’s detailed complaint described what she viewed as ongoing “bullying and harassment” behavior from Harbour, creating a “hostile environment” on set. It was also reported that Brown had a personal representative with her throughout production — a rare precaution, especially for an established star.
While no official findings have been released, several industry outlets confirm that Netflix completed an internal review and that production continued without interruption. However, multiple insiders described “clear tension” on set between Brown and Harbour throughout filming, with some calling it a “raw and uncomfortable atmosphere.”
The pair’s off-screen dynamic had long been perceived as one of Stranger Things’ emotional backbones. Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, and Brown, who portrays Eleven, built a pseudo father-daughter bond that audiences have adored since the series debuted in 2016. Harbour once referred to Brown as “like my own daughter in many ways,” while Brown publicly praised him for helping her navigate early fame. But reports now claim that their relationship deteriorated significantly over the years, with one insider saying, “It went from protective to controlling, from supportive to overbearing.”
PEOPLE has not independently verified those claims, but the internal review appears to have taken them seriously enough to merit official inquiry. Neither Harbour nor Brown has addressed the situation publicly, and both are maintaining professional silence as Netflix prepares to promote the final season.
The timing couldn’t be more delicate. Filming for the fifth and final season wrapped in December 2024, and Netflix plans to release the first part on November 26, 2025. The season will arrive in three parts, spanning from late November to the end of December — a release strategy that underscores how important this finale is for the streaming giant. But now, what was supposed to be a farewell celebration for one of Netflix’s greatest cultural successes is facing scrutiny from headlines instead of hype.
This controversy also lands during a sensitive personal period for Harbour, who recently separated from singer-songwriter Lily Allen. Their marriage had already drawn public attention after Allen released new music seemingly referencing their split. The overlapping timelines between his personal life unraveling and these professional allegations have led to growing media speculation — though no direct connection between the two has been established.
Meanwhile, Brown, whose career has expanded far beyond Stranger Things — with successful film roles in Enola Holmes, Godzilla vs. Kong, and the upcoming The Electric State — appears focused on maintaining control over her narrative. She married musician Jake Bongiovi earlier this year and continues to lead her beauty brand, Florence by Mills. Sources close to her say the decision to file the complaint was not impulsive, but “measured and necessary.” One insider told The Daily Mail: “Millie didn’t want drama; she wanted safety, respect, and accountability.”
Fans, however, are divided. Social media has exploded with discussions under hashtags like #JusticeForMillie and #ProtectMillieBobbyBrown, while others urge caution, reminding people to “wait for the facts.” Reddit and X threads have filled with speculation, screenshots, and emotional commentary, highlighting just how personal this show has become to audiences around the world.
Inside Netflix, insiders reportedly view the situation as a potential reputational risk but are confident the show’s legacy will survive. One production source told The Wrap, “The show is bigger than any one actor, but this is not something anyone wanted clouding the final season.” Marketing plans are reportedly being adjusted to keep press appearances separate and avoid putting Brown and Harbour in the same interview environment.
Behind the scenes, those who worked on Stranger Things say the emotional weight of wrapping the show after nearly a decade only added to the strain. “It was a tough shoot,” one crew member shared. “You’re closing out one of the biggest series in modern history. Everyone’s emotional. Everyone’s tired. And when you have tension between two central stars, it affects everyone.”
For now, neither Brown nor Harbour is expected to make an official statement before the series premiere. Both continue to fulfill contractual press commitments through their representatives, but Netflix’s communications team has reportedly instructed all parties to “stay neutral” in public messaging.
For fans who have watched their on-screen bond evolve from the early days of Eleven and Hopper’s unlikely connection to their emotional reunion in season four, the news hits hard. Many describe feeling conflicted — admiring both performers while struggling to separate the beloved characters from the real-world headlines.
Yet beyond the speculation, this moment reflects broader changes within Hollywood — particularly regarding workplace accountability and power dynamics. For years, sets were places where younger actors often endured difficult behavior without recourse. But as the entertainment industry continues to evolve, stars like Brown are using their platforms to demand better conditions, even when it means challenging a senior co-star publicly.
An insider familiar with Netflix’s protocols explained, “A formal HR process on a show of this scale isn’t simple. It’s not about punishing someone — it’s about protecting everyone.” That framing may ultimately guide how this situation unfolds.
What’s next remains uncertain. The network may choose to keep findings private to avoid legal exposure or public controversy. Or, depending on the intensity of audience interest, a statement might emerge closer to release. For now, silence reigns — the kind that feels heavy with implication.
As Stranger Things prepares for its grand farewell, the story behind the scenes may be just as emotionally complex as the fictional one audiences fell in love with. A young actress who grew up in front of the world has drawn a line for herself. A seasoned actor now faces a public test of character. And one of television’s greatest success stories must navigate an ending that suddenly feels far less simple than anyone imagined.
