Millie Bobby Brown, the 21-year-old star of "Stranger Things," has recently taken to Instagram to voice her concerns about media coverage surrounding her appearance, referring to it as bullying. On March 3, 2025, during her promotional tour for the Netflix film "The Electric State," Brown shared a three-minute video wherein she called out specific articles and their misleading headlines, expressing her dismay over the objectification and criticism directed at her.
"I want to take a moment to address something...that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny," Brown began her heartfelt message. She highlighted her career starting at the tender age of 10, where her every move has been under the spotlight since she became a household name through her role as Eleven on "Stranger Things." Her rise to fame came with immense public visibility, and now she feels the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations about her appearance.
Several articles had criticized Brown's recent transformation, particularly her debuting platinum blonde hair styled as a ‘90s blowout during media appearances. While fans buzzed with excitement over her new look, some publications chose to focus on her appearance with remarks such as, "What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?" and "Millie Bobby Brown mistaken for someone’s mom as she guides younger sister Ava through LA." Brown revealed her frustration with such judgments, stating, "This isn’t journalism. This is bullying." She expressed how disturbing it is for adult writers to dissect the appearance of young women, particularly calling out the fact some articles were authored by women, which she found even more disheartening.
Brown's message extended beyond her personal experience, as she emphasized, "I refuse to apologize for growing up. I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself." It was clear this was not just about her; it was about creating space for all young women to grow without the risk of being ridiculed and torn apart by media narratives. "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?"
The video garnered over 1.6 million likes within just 12 hours, showcasing the widespread support for Brown’s stance. Fellow actors rallied behind her, with Sarah Jessica Parker commenting, "Enormously proud of you," and Mckenna Grace writing, "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." This kind of support highlights the collective pushback against harmful standards placed on women, especially those under public scrutiny.
Brown's frustration reflects a larger societal issue wherein young women are held to impossible beauty standards. Such criticism often impacts their self-esteem and public perception as they navigate their growth from childhood to adulthood. Not only does Brown stand against the scrutiny of her own appearance, but she also highlights the broader societal need to uplift rather than tear down young women thriving under the gaze of the public eye.
It isn’t the first time Brown has had to defend herself against harsh words from journalists and critics. This latest incident follows several instances where she has pushed back against body shaming and negative commentary around her looks. She recalls having clapped back at internet trolls earlier this year, asserting, "Women grow!! Not sorry about it :)" and promoting kindness over judgment, encouraging society to reflect on its values around women’s appearances.
After Brown's emotional testimony on Instagram, it seems clear this moment transcends just Brown herself; it resonates with many young women aspiring for acceptance and support. The vulnerability and courage displayed by Brown serve as powerful reminders of the need for compassion and empathy instead of the fear of being criticized.
Brown concluded her public address by urging, "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." This call to action resonates deeply, illustrating the urgent need for societal change to move away from the pressures of appearance and embrace the diverse journeys of growth and identity.