The creators of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, have responded to claims that they were 'verbally abusive' to the cast on the set of the show.
In an Instagram post shared on International Women's Day, crew member Peyton Brown revealed the reason that she would not be working on Stranger Things' third season, citing the behaviour of "two men in high positions of power".
"I personally witnessed two men in high positions of power on that set seek out and verbally abuse multiple women," she alleged.
Although Brown did not name the Duffer Brothers in the post, the pair have responded to the claims and said that they are "deeply upset to learn that someone felt uncomfortable on [their] set".
A statement given to Digital Spy read: "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."
Netflix has also responded to Brown's comments, confirming they had "looked into the concern" expressed by the former crew member.
"We looked into the concern that was raised when we heard of the allegation on Thursday, and found no wrongdoing," they said.
"Maintaining a safe, respectful atmosphere on set is important to us, and we know it is to the Duffer Brothers as well."
While Stranger Things star David Harbour has previously hinted that season three may not air until 2019, production on season three is expected to kick off in a matter of weeks.
The latest run, which apparently only consists of eight episodes this time around (rather than nine), will continue the story of Eleven and co as they continue to explore the mysteries of Hawkins and the ever-ominous Upside Down.
