Stranger Things creators respond to on-set abuse allegations
Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of Netflix's Stranger Things, have responded to allegations of abusive behaviour on the set of the hit sci-fi series.
“We are deeply upset to learn that someone felt uncomfortable on our set," the brothers said, in a statement given to the Hollywood Reporter this weekend. "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."
Last week, an Instagram user called @peytonnbrown said they would be leaving their job as a crew member on Stranger Things after witnessing abusive behaviour by "two men in high poisitions of power" on the set. They wrote:
"I guess there’s no better day than #nationalwomensday to say #timesup and announce that I will not be a part of the filming of Season 3 of Stranger Things. Why, you ask? Because I stand with my sisters. I personally witnessed two men in high positions of power on that set seek out and verbally abuse multiple women." In later comments on the social media site, @peytonnbrown identified the men as Matt and Ross Duffer.
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"I promised myself that if I were ever in a situation to say something that I would," the Instagram post continued. "I have 11.5 thousand followers who can hear me say this, TIME IS UP. Women in the film industry are POWERFUL. We will rise and we will scream from mountain tops in support of each other and I will not contribute my time, efforts, and talent to such abusive people."
The Instagram user appears to be the same H Peyton Brown who is credited online as a member of the sci-fi show's camera and electrical department.
Another Instagram user, identifying herself as script supervisor Lori Grabowski – who has worked on Marvel's Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, as well as Stranger Things – lent her support to the accusations.
"I am one of those women Peyton referenced," Grabowski wrote. "It was very real not only to me, but other women on the set that also want to share their story. Peyton Brown witnessed not only my experience, but the similar experiences of others. I don’t know Ms. Brown very well, but what I do know is there is absolutely nothing false about her statement.
"Myself and other women who are willing to share their stories of our experiences on the set of Stranger Things, are living proof. I was the Script Supervisor of the show for nearly 2 full seasons. I just could not stand by and let Peyton be called a liar, because what she said is unfortunately, very true. I had no interest in sharing my personal story from working on Stranger Things until I saw so many people accusing Ms. Brown of being a liar. I just can’t stay silent."
In a statement, Netflix said it has investigated the claims of abusive behaviour on set, and is satisfied that they are baseless. "We looked into the concern that was raised when we heard of the allegation on Thursday, and found no wrongdoing," the statement reads. "Maintaining a safe, respectful atmosphere on set is important to us, and we know it is to the Duffer Brothers as well.”
