David Harbour Responds After Being Asked if He’s ‘Become a Jerk’ — Here’s What He Said
David Harbour Responds After Being Asked if He’s ‘Become a Jerk’ — Here’s What He Said
David Harbour has found himself in the middle of a tempest, just weeks before the highly anticipated season 5 debut of Stranger Things. The Stranger Things star, known for his role as police chief Jim Hopper, recently opened out to Esquire Spain when asked if celebrity has turned him "a jerk." Harbour's thoughtful but untimely reaction comes amid a slew of problems concerning his personal and professional lives, putting the actor under severe public scrutiny.
In an interview on November 4, Harbour stated, "For me, it certainly is." "I believe that the pitfalls of youth and celebrity are inextricably linked to the concept of self-importance. The best thing about becoming famous when you're older is that you know you're going to die, so who cares? While the actor intended this to be a comment on maturity and perspective, fans of his ex-wife, Lily Allen, and Stranger Things co-star Millie Bobby Brown, instantly criticized his words on social media.
Harbour has been mute in the wake of Allen's new album, West End Girl, which apparently discusses their difficult marriage, open relationships, and infidelity. There have also been reports that Millie Bobby Brown filed a bullying and harassment claim against Harbour prior to filming the fifth and final season. While the specifics of Brown's charges are unknown, the complaint is alleged to contain "pages and pages" of complaints, sparking months-long internal investigations whose outcome is still unknown. Netflix has previously reviewed similar complaints of workplace bullying and found no misconduct, highlighting its commitment to safe and collaborative environments.
During his Esquire interview, Harbour was also asked about his relationship with Stranger Things' younger cast members. He described them as "pretty good kids" and stated that, while he is always willing to offer advice, they are "on their own path." This comes after years of characterizing his relationship with Brown as protective and almost paternalistic. On the That Scene with Dan Patrick podcast in 2021, Harbour admitted to having a "real protective feeling" for Brown because of her young age when she started filming the series. He noted that his leadership is based on compassion rather than control, recalling amusing disputes with Brown on set that exemplified their complex, father-daughter interaction.
The recent debates, however, have influenced popular perception. Harbour's statements on celebrity and maturity have been dissected by social media users, with some seeing them as self-serving or detached from the continuing claims. This scrutiny is heightened by Allen's public investigation of their personal lives through song, bringing previously private matters to light just as Harbour prepares for a huge promotional push.
Despite the response, Harbour remains thoughtful about his life and decisions. "I would either change everything or nothing," he told Esquire Spain, alluding to his 50-year career. He emphasized that personal development comes from accepting both successes and failures, viewing life's setbacks as opportunities for greater empathy, understanding, and connection. As Stranger Things 5 near its publication, it remains to be seen whether this explanation will appeal to the public or soothe the uproar.
Finally, Harbour's current circumstance exemplifies the difficulties performers experience when personal concerns intersect with global stardom. It serves as a reminder of how quickly public image can evolve, especially in today's Hollywood scene, when professions, personal relationships, and social media scrutiny collide. As fans wait for the upcoming season of Stranger Things, discussions about Harbour's off-screen life are certain to continue dominating headlines.
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