Stranger Things star David Harbour has unexpectedly pulled out of a major fan event, with his absence coming hot on the heels of a bizarre reported altercation at a California gastropub.
Event Absence and the Encinitas Incident
The actor, famous for playing Chief Jim Hopper, was scheduled to appear at Stranger Things: The Final Season Celebration at New York's Paley Center on the evening of December 19, 2025. However, his name was removed from the event listing. A spokesperson for the venue told People magazine the cancellation was due to a "scheduling conflict."
This development follows a report from TMZ alleging Harbour was involved in a strange incident at the Encinitas Ale House. The outlet claims a video shows the 50-year-old actor entering the pub and later leaving with a white cap, saying "C'mon, dude, f*****g get me." Another person is then heard saying, "What the f**k did I do to you, dude?" before the patron returns with the hat. TMZ states a physical fight is not believed to have occurred.
Harbour has not publicly commented on the alleged hat incident. It was also reported that his co-star, Millie Bobby Brown, pulled out of the same Paley Center event while recovering from an injury.
A Year of Personal and Professional Headlines
The actor's year has been marked by significant personal scrutiny, largely stemming from his ex-wife Lily Allen's album, "West End Girl." Released after their 2024 divorce, the record's lyrics are widely interpreted as detailing the breakdown of their marriage, featuring allegations of infidelity with a woman named "Madeline."
American costume designer Natalie Tippett later identified herself as the woman referenced, denying claims of a three-year affair and stating she received hateful messages after the album's release. Harbour has not publicly addressed Allen's lyrical accusations.
On-Set Controversy and Resolution
Professionally, Harbour faced separate claims earlier this year regarding his conduct on the set of Stranger Things. The Mail on Sunday reported that co-star Millie Bobby Brown had filed "pages and pages of accusations" about his behaviour, triggering an internal investigation before filming for the final season.
A subsequent report in Variety confirmed an investigation into a bullying and harassment complaint against Harbour had taken place and was resolved. At the season five premiere, showrunner Ross Duffer told The Hollywood Reporter, "Nothing matters more than just having a set where everyone feels safe and happy." Neither Harbour nor Brown have spoken publicly about these claims.
Representatives for David Harbour were contacted for comment on the latest developments.
