Stranger Things season five (which is the last) has finally been released, but rather than talking about how things will end for the characters we've come to know and love, fans are busy dissecting the off-screen lives of the actors...
It all started last month when Lily Allen released her first album in seven years. West End Girl tells the story of a relationship breakdown, and while there has been no confirmation of this, fans suspect the album is about her divorce from David Harbour, resulting in a massive spotlight on the pair since then.
That spotlight only intensified when claims came to light that David's Stranger Things co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, accused him of harassment and bullying on set. Here's what we know about the alleged claims made by Millie against David, the current state of their relationship, and a timeline of their history.
The latest update on Millie and David
November 2025
Millie gives an update on where she stands
Following news of the alleged claims, Millie was asked at the Stranger Things season 5 premiere why it's important for the show's stars (read: her and David) to put on a united front.
"We've been doing that for the last 10 years," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "I mean, we have always been united in that. We love this show with everything, and we value our friendship more than anything."
She also spoke of her character, Eleven, reuniting with David's Hopper on the show. "It was quite nostalgic because it reminded me so much of season two and three, where we're both kind of butting heads, and she's growing up, she's trying to find her own voice, and he's trying to parent," Millie said. "That dynamic definitely comes back into play once again, and I'm really excited for people to see that."
A timeline of Millie and David's history
July 2016
Stranger Things debuts on Netflix
The very first season of Stranger Things is released, introducing the world to Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven. David Harbour also stars as Jim Hopper, chief of police in Hawkins – the town where the series is set – and Eleven's eventual adopted dad.
July 2021
David comments on his and Millie's "special relationship"
Speaking on the That Scene with Dan Patrick podcast, David opens up about the relationship he has with Millie.
"Millie and I have always had sort of a special relationship because I knew her when she was so young. I knew her before any of this big fame hit," he says. "I have a real protective feeling for her."
David goes on to comment on his "worry" about Millie's future. "I worry about her and the fame and all that she has to struggle with. And I've just always felt this kind of deep fatherly affection for her."
April 2025
David says Stranger Things kids make him "cranky"
During an interview with Jimmy Kimmel to promote his new Marvel movie, David reveals he was the moodiest actor on the Stranger Things set – which, in part, he says was due to his younger co-stars.
"My excuse is I have a day job where I work with a lot of enthusiastic children, a bunch of plucky kids sort of saving the universe, and when you're with that much youthful enthusiasm, I dunno, you just feel cranky and old," he says.
November 2025
David calls his co-stars "good kids"
Just one day before the reported allegations came to light, David tells Esquire Spain that his co-stars are "pretty good kids".
Speaking about the likes of Millie, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, and the rest of the gang, David reveals the type of guidance he has given them over the years and details his hopes for their future careers.
Apparent allegations come to light
On Sunday 2 November, the Mail on Sunday reports that Millie had previously filed a "harassment and bullying" complaint against her co-star, David. It's also alleged that, following the complaint, Millie was accompanied by a personal representative on set during the filming of the final Stranger Things season, which wrapped in December 2024.
"Millie Bobby Brown filed a harassment and bullying claim before they started shooting the last season," a source alleges. "There were pages and pages of accusations. The investigation went on for months."
The outcome of the Netflix inquiry remains unknown, and reports claim it concluded there was no sexual misconduct. Notably, however, the streaming giant has not commented on whether a complaint was made or if an inquiry took place.
David disables his Instagram comments
In the aftermath of Lily's album and the alleged complaint made by Millie, David disables the comment feature on his Instagram profile.
Meanwhile, there was a mixed reaction from Stranger Things viewers over on Millie's Instagram. "Plz say the David news isn't true," one person comments on a post of Millie's as another says: "She still follows David, come on guys it's fake news."
Netflix remains silent on the alleged accusations
Amid the ongoing speculation about what did or didn't go down with Millie and David on set, an anonymous source speaks out about Netflix's silence.
"Netflix will never comment on an internal investigation, but the fact they've not denied it speaks volumes," the insider tells the Mail on Sunday. "Stranger Things helped put Netflix on the map. Millions of fans around the world have been anticipating the finale. No one wants anything to take attention away from that."
Stranger Things fans react
In light of the reported claims about Millie's complaint against David, Stranger Things fans take to social media to voice their reactions. "Bad week to be David Harbour... ex-wife sings about his butt plugs, a story about a girl killing herself in his apartment resurfaces, and Millie Bobby Brown accuses him of bullying..." one person shares on X, as another writes: "If this Daily Mail article about David Harbour is true I am in utter disbelief at how badly this production failed to protect Millie."
"Situations like this can really change how people view the cast and the show itself," someone else says, as a fourth fan reacts with: "Why is this just coming out now?"
Cosmopolitan UK has reached out to Netflix, along with representatives for Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour, for comment.
