Millie Bobby Brown has publicly called out journalists for their harsh coverage of her appearance, stating that media scrutiny of her looks has turned into bullying. The 21-year-old Stranger Things star shared a three-minute video on Instagram, addressing several articles that criticized her hair, face, body, and overall style.
“This isn’t journalism, this is bullying,” Brown asserted in her video, directly naming the reporters behind the pieces. The criticism comes as she promotes her upcoming film The Electric State while making appearances at major industry events like the SAG and Brit Awards.
Brown, who has been in the public eye since childhood, expressed frustration over how some people expect her to remain unchanged from when she first gained fame as Eleven in Stranger Things at just 12 years old. “I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow up with me,” she said. “Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time… And because I don’t, I’m now a target.”
The actress took particular issue with the fact that some of the articles dissecting her appearance were written by women. “That some of these articles are written by women makes it even worse,” she noted, adding that adult journalists should not be spending their time picking apart a young woman’s face and body.
Having started her career at nine years old in shows like Once Upon a Time in Wonderland and Intruders, Brown skyrocketed to fame in 2016 with Stranger Things. Her success came with intense media attention, but as she has matured, she has faced increased scrutiny over her appearance and choices.
Despite the negativity, Brown remains defiant. “I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself,” she declared, urging for a change in how young women are treated in the public eye. “Let’s do better, not just for me but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without the fear of being torn apart for simply existing.”
Her video received widespread support from fellow actors, including Sarah Jessica Parker, who said she was “enormously proud” of Brown, and Enola Holmes co-star Louis Partridge, who praised her for handling the situation with “grace.”
Brown’s stand against media scrutiny highlights a broader issue of how young female celebrities are often subjected to unfair and invasive criticism, sparking discussions on the need for more ethical journalism.
