When Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour were named in a workplace bullying lawsuit in July 2023, fans held their breath. The allegations, filed by former Stranger Things set designer Jamie Campbell, shook the foundation of one of Netflix’s most beloved shows. The lawsuit, filed on July 17, 2023 in Los Angeles Superior Court (case number 23STCV20800), accused Brown and Harbour of subjecting Campbell to verbal abuse and harassment during production of Season 4 in 2021. The case was settled out of court in September 2023 — quietly, without public statements, and with no admission of guilt. Now, over two years later, rumors of a 2025 update on their friendship are circulating. But here’s the thing: there is no verifiable information beyond October 2023. Not a tweet. Not a red carpet moment. Not even a whisper from their representatives.
The Allegations and the Silence
According to court documents, Campbell, a British national employed by Netflix from March to November 2021, claimed he was targeted daily on the Atlanta set. He alleged Brown, then 17, and Harbour, then 47, made demeaning comments about his work ethic and appearance, sometimes in front of crew members. One incident reportedly involved Harbour calling him "a waste of space" after a prop malfunction. Campbell said the environment became so toxic he resigned in November 2021. His legal team argued the behavior violated California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.
Within 24 hours of the lawsuit’s filing, both stars responded. Brown, through her agency WME, issued a terse denial: "I have never bullied anyone in my life. I have always tried to be kind and respectful to everyone I work with." Harbour, represented by CAA, called the claims "categorically false and will be proven as such." Netflix, headquartered in Los Gatos, California, said it "takes all complaints seriously" — a line familiar to anyone who’s followed Hollywood’s post-#MeToo crisis.
Why the Settlement Stayed Secret
Legal experts say the quiet resolution wasn’t unusual. Professor Catherine Fisk of Harvard Law School noted in July 2023 that most workplace settlements in entertainment include strict confidentiality clauses. "These aren’t about guilt or innocence," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "They’re about risk mitigation. Studios pay to make the noise go away."
The lack of a public trial meant no evidence was aired, no depositions released. No financial details were disclosed — though industry insiders estimated the settlement likely exceeded $500,000, given the reputational stakes. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed no criminal charges were filed. The SAG-AFTRA union, which represents over 160,000 performers and crew, had no record of formal complaints from either side.
What Happened After the Settlement?
Since September 2023, Brown has starred in Enola Holmes 2 (2022) and Damsel (2024), both released before the settlement. Harbour appeared in Violent Night (2022) and has been filming the upcoming Netflix series Black Mirror Season 7. Neither has mentioned the other publicly since Season 4 wrapped in October 2022. No joint appearances, no Instagram likes, no interviews where they’re asked about their dynamic.
Oddly enough, the only time the topic resurfaced was in a 2024 podcast interview with Stranger Things director Shawn Levy. When asked if the cast remained close, he chuckled: "People think we’re a family. We’re a team. Teams change. People move on."
Meanwhile, Jamie Campbell vanished from public view. No social media updates. No interviews. His lawyer, from the firm Chen & Associates, declined to comment on his whereabouts. The silence is louder than any statement.
Why This Matters Beyond Hollywood
This case wasn’t just about two actors. It was a stress test for how power operates on set. Brown, once hailed as a child prodigy, was now accused of wielding her fame like a weapon. Harbour, a respected dramatic actor with a history of mental health advocacy, was painted as a volatile figure. The public didn’t know who to believe — and that’s the point. The system doesn’t need a verdict to damage reputations. Just the accusation.
It also exposed the fragility of celebrity narratives. Fans built entire communities around the idea of Brown and Harbour’s "unlikely friendship." The idea that they were close — the stoic dad, the bright-eyed girl — became part of the show’s charm. When that was shattered, even slightly, it cracked something in the audience’s perception. And now? No one’s talking. No one’s confirming. No one’s denying.
What’s Next?
There won’t be a 2025 update. Not unless one of them chooses to speak. And given the confidentiality agreement — and the fact that Brown is now 21 and Harbour 51, both navigating careers in a far more scrutinized industry — it’s unlikely. The industry has moved on to new scandals. Streaming platforms are under fire for AI-generated content. The Writers Guild is still negotiating. The world doesn’t wait for unresolved Hollywood drama.
But for fans who remember the quiet moments between Eleven and Hopper — the shared glances, the unspoken understanding — it’s hard not to wonder: Did it all happen? And if so, what’s left?
Frequently Asked Questions
Was there ever a criminal investigation into Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour over the bullying claims?
No. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed on July 20, 2023, that no criminal charges were filed. The case was civil, filed by former crew member Jamie Campbell under California employment law. No arrests, subpoenas, or police involvement occurred.
Did Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour ever publicly reconcile after the lawsuit?
No public reconciliation has occurred. Since the September 2023 settlement, neither has mentioned the other in interviews, on social media, or at public events. Their last known interaction was during the wrap of Stranger Things Season 4 in October 2022. Their representatives have not commented on their current relationship status.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit against Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour?
The lawsuit was settled out of court in September 2023. Exact terms were not disclosed, but legal experts believe the settlement included a confidentiality clause, a financial payment to Jamie Campbell, and a mutual agreement not to speak publicly about the matter. No court record confirms the amount, though estimates range from $500,000 to $1.2 million.
Why can’t we get updates on their friendship in 2025?
Because no credible reports, interviews, or public statements have been made since October 2023. Any claims about a 2025 update are speculative or fabricated. Neither Brown nor Harbour’s representatives have released any information, and no media outlet has verified new developments. The silence is intentional — and telling.
Did Netflix take any action against Millie Bobby Brown or David Harbour?
Netflix never publicly disciplined either actor. The company’s July 2023 statement emphasized its commitment to a "safe workplace," but no internal investigation results were released. Brown and Harbour remained on the cast for Season 5, which aired in 2024. Their roles were unaffected, and they were not removed from promotional materials.
Has Jamie Campbell spoken publicly since the settlement?
No. Since the September 2023 settlement, Jamie Campbell has disappeared from public view. He has no active social media profiles, and his legal team has not issued any statements. His last known public appearance was at a 2021 Stranger Things fan event in Atlanta. His current whereabouts and professional status are unknown.
