David Harbor has finally admitted that he had a tense relationship with Millie Bobby Brown on the set of Stranger Things.
Addressing the rumors for the first time, he spoke to Variety about the allegations that Brown made harassment and bullying allegations against him before filming the Netflix show’s final season.
The 51-year-old questioned the “strange” timing of the alleged November 2025 report, saying the story “came out in a strange way”.
“This is a show that ran for 10 years,” he explained of the hit Netflix series. “We worked together for 10 years of her formative teenage years, playing father and daughter.”
The “DTF St. Louis” star likened the alleged drama with Brown, 22, to a family that “occasionally has arguments and disagreements,” but always “comes back together.”
Haber also claimed that other people on the show’s set were “caught up” in the situation, but that it was “okay” after Haber and Brown “moved everyone out of the way and talked it out with each other.”
“Everyone is so afraid to talk about things these days,” he told the outlet. “People are so afraid of being human and it’s a shame because I don’t know how to survive in this strange media world.
“But it was completely normal. We respect each other and always have,” he added.
Harbor also hinted that there are plans to work with Brown again.
“To be honest, Millie and I are working on some pieces… You’re going to see more of me and Millie — 10 years just wasn’t enough,” he shared. “There’s a special bond there. I love her and she loves me.”
In an email to Variety, Brown said she had “changed a lot” in the nine years Stranger Things was on the air, and that Harbor “has been there through it all.”
“Over time, our relationship became more collaborative creatively,” the “Enola Holmes” star continued. “When you’ve worked together for so many years, you can push each other emotionally in each scene.”
Brown said that although the show ended after five seasons, she remains “grateful” for her relationship with Harbor.
“Being able to share that experience with him over the years is something I will always remember and value,” she added.
Elsewhere in Variety’s article, Harbor admitted that he missed December’s Stranger Things finale celebration due to mental health issues.
“I got sick,” Haber said, then added with a laugh. “It’s definitely confusing. It’s really confusing.”
“I think a lot of people have friends, siblings, colleagues who are dealing with mental health issues, and when that person becomes depressed, manic, or has an episode, it’s probably pretty disruptive,” he shared.
The Emmy nominee said he was “ashamed” of his “erratic behavior” due to his mental health issues.
“It’s not something I would have chosen and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” he said.
The 2025 report alleged that in a formal complaint, Brown accused Harbor of harassing and bullying her on the set of the show.
Haber was reportedly the subject of an internal investigation that “continued for months,” an insider claimed at the time.
However, Harbor and Brown hit back at rumors of a feud during the season 5 premiere of the series on Nov. 6, lovingly posing for photos together on the red carpet.
Brown told “Extra” at the event that she and Harbor were “really lucky to have found each other” and that the reunion was “amazing.”
If you or a loved one is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
