Yesterday, aStranger Thingscrew member named Peyton Brown, who worked as a grip onStranger ThingsSeason 1, came forward on social media,accusing Stranger Things creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer of being verbally abusive on the set. While the creators and showrunners were not accused of any sexual misconduct, they were said to be verbally abusive to the women on the set. While the Duffer Brothers weren’t named in Brown’s original Instagram post, she identified the Duffer Brothers in Instagram comments that were later deleted. The Duffer Brothers have responded to these allegations with the following statement.
“We are deeply upset to learn that someone felt uncomfortable on our set. Due to the high-stress nature of production, tempers occasionally get frayed, and for that, we apologize. However, we think it is important not to mischaracterize our set, where we believe strongly in treating everyone fairly regardless of gender, orientation, race, religion, or anything else. We remain totally committed to providing a safe and collaborative working environment for everyone on our productions.”
Peyton Brown’s comments claimed that the Duffer’s hurled “insults” and “threats,” even alleging that some were either fired or forced to quit because of the Duffer Brothers' behavior. This also comes on the heels of another controversy, when it was revealed that the Duffers reportedly “forced” newcomerSadie Sink to kiss Caleb McLaughlinin a scene that was previously unscripted, and was the first real kiss for both actors. Netflix also offered their own statement, where they revealed they found no wrongdoing.
“We looked into the concern that was raised when we heard of the allegation on Thursday, and found no wrongdoing. Maintaining a safe, respectful atmosphere on set is important to us, and we know it is to the Duffer Brothers as well.”
Stranger Thingsis just the latest Netflix show to come under fire for inappropriate behavior. Netflix fired Kevin Spacey from their hit seriesHouse of Cards, after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against the actor. This forced the producers and writers to craft a whole new season, which will be its last, without its lead character, Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood.Netflix also removed Danny Mastersonfrom its hit seriesThe Ranch, following multiple rape and sexual assault allegations were made against the actor.
While theNetflixstatement reveals they found no wrongdoing, it remains to be seen if they will launch a full investigation into the matter. Production is slated to begin onStranger Things Season 3in mid-April, although the show isn’t expected to debut until sometime in 2019. The series is going back to its eight-episode format that was used in the first season, following the nine-episode Season 2 that debuted last October. Series regulars such as Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Dacre Montgomery (Billy Hargrove), and Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield) are all expected to return for Season 3 on Netflix. you’re able to head on over toThe Hollywood Reporterfor their full report on these allegations againstStranger Thingscreators Matt and Ross Duffer.
