Stranger Things star David Harbour had a breakdown after reading Millie Bobby Brown's harassment allegations

Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour. Pic via AFP

David Harbour has now reacted to speculation about behind-the-scenes rift with Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown. The rumours surfaced in 2025 while the cast was filming the final season of Stranger Things. Among the reports circulating at the time were claims that Brown had allegedly filed a bullying and harassment complaint against Harbour. Addressing those rumours, Harbour now said that the supposed fallout was largely fuelled by tabloid sensationalism rather than reality.

David Harbour on rift with Millie Bobby Brown

While speaking to Variety, David Harbour reacted to a report by the Daily Mail, calling it "weird." The publication reportedly claimed that Millie Bobby Brown had filed a bullying and harassment complaint against the actor before production began on Stranger Things season 5. The report surfaced in November 2025.

Talking about the rumours, David Harbour said that the situation had been taken out of context. He also noted how working closely with someone for a decade naturally comes with occasional disagreements.

He stated, "In this weird world we live in, where sound bites will be created, I'm trying to figure out how to say this…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 also strongly denied the claims and described the reports as false. He added that the reports even took a significant emotional toll on him, revealing that he "had a breakdown" after reading the allegations. He even questioned the story's timing, which came a week after his ex, Lily Allen, released her album, West End Girl, which is believed to contain references critical of him.

David Harbour recalls what happened between him and Millie Bobby Brown

The actor also reflected on what had actually transpired between him and Millie. He seemingly downplayed the situation as a minor disagreement which was eventually resolved through open communication. David added, "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. 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."

For the unversed, Millie played David's on-screen daughter Eleven while he portrayed Jim Hopper on Stranger Things from 2016 to 2025.