Netflix's sci-fi nostalgia fest Stranger Things gets plenty of headlines for its seemingly endless onslaught of zany publicity stunts. That said, the show is now getting attention for less noble reasons after its creators Matt and Ross Duffer were accused of verbally abusing multiple female crew members.
In an Instagram post, former Stranger Things employee Peyton Brown accused the Duffer Brothers of yelling at and threatening their female staffers, allegedly forcing some to quit the production.
"I personally witnessed two men in high positions of power on that set seek out and verbally abuse multiple women," she wrote. "I promised myself that if I were ever in a situation to say something that I would. TIME IS UP."
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the Duffer brothers apologized for letting their tempers get the best of them while shooting. They said they were "deeply upset to learn that someone felt uncomfortable on our set," adding that due to the "high-stress nature of production, tempers occasionally get frayed, and for that, we apologize."
That said, the brothers fought back against claims that they were unfairly targeting women on the set.
"We think it is important not to mischaracterize our set.... 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."
Netflix also released a statement about the allegations, saying, "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."
In an Instagram post, former Stranger Things employee Peyton Brown accused the Duffer Brothers of yelling at and threatening their female staffers, allegedly forcing some to quit the production.
"I personally witnessed two men in high positions of power on that set seek out and verbally abuse multiple women," she wrote. "I promised myself that if I were ever in a situation to say something that I would. TIME IS UP."
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the Duffer brothers apologized for letting their tempers get the best of them while shooting. They said they were "deeply upset to learn that someone felt uncomfortable on our set," adding that due to the "high-stress nature of production, tempers occasionally get frayed, and for that, we apologize."
That said, the brothers fought back against claims that they were unfairly targeting women on the set.
"We think it is important not to mischaracterize our set.... 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."
Netflix also released a statement about the allegations, saying, "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."
