Millie Bobby Brown calls out media for criticising her appearance: ‘this is bullying’
"I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me," the Stranger Things actress said
By Emily Zemler
Millie Bobby Brown has responded to ongoing criticism of her appearance. In an emotional Instagram post, the actress said she wanted to “take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me, something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny.”
“I started in this industry when I was 10 years old,” she said. “I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me. Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things Season 1. And because I don’t, I’m now a target.”
Brown shared several headlines that have rudely critiqued her grown-up, blonde look. They included “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?” and “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?”
“This isn’t journalism,” Brown responded. “This is bullying. The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing. The fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse. We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks. Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs.”
She continued, “I refuse to apologize for growing up. I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people who can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman. I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself. We have become a society where it’s so much easier to criticize than it is to pay a compliment. Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice? If you have a problem with that, I have to wonder—what is it that actually makes you so uncomfortable? Let’s do better. Not just for me, but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without fear of being torn apart for simply existing.”
Several actors responded to the post, including Sarah Jessica Parker, who commented, “Enormously proud of you.” Matthew Modine, Brown’s co-star on Stranger Things, added, “Yes. Good for you! Brava.”
Sharon Stone replied, “Beautifully said Thx it really doesn’t matter our age or stature, we must be willing to own ourselves fully not fall to the false ideology of tear down media. Good job my friend.”
Aaron Paul noted, “You are such a beautiful example of grace and mutuality. Way to stand up for yourself. So proud of you Mills.”
Mckenna Grace, another young star who has been critiqued for her red carpet appearances, wrote, “No young woman or person deserves to feel pressure or cruelty for simply existing. You are so well spoken and so beautiful. Very well said, thank you for making this video.”
Brown has been making the rounds on red carpets to promote her new film Electric State, which also stars Chris Pratt. In December, the actress wrapped the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, sharing a video of her emotional farewell speech. “I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys,” Brown told the cast and crew. “I love each and every one of you and I’ll forever carry the memories and bonds we’ve created together as a family.”