'Stranger Things' creators respond to on-set harassment allegations
Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer have responded to allegations of verbal abuse, saying they are “deeply upset” by the accusations.
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In an Instagram post shared late last week, crew member Peyton Brown said she would not be returning for the new season of the series because of alleged verbal abuse toward women on set.
“I personally witnessed two men in high positions of power on that set seek out and verbally abuse multiple women. I promised myself that if I were ever in a situation to say something that I would. I have 11.5 thousand followers who can hear me say this, TIME IS UP,” Brown shares.
The Duffer brothers responded, saying that they believe they treat everyone fairly “regardless of gender, orientation, race, religion or anything else.” Read their statement, as shared by Deadline, below:
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.
The entertainment source also shared Netflix's statement, which reads: “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.”