Millie Bobby Brown is standing firm against the relentless scrutiny of her appearance, calling out the media for what she describes as harassment disguised as journalism. The 21-year-old actress, who rose to fame from the critically acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things, took to Instagram recently to voice her displeasure about the negative headlines targeting her evolution as she transitions from adolescence to adulthood.
For the second time within two weeks, Brown has shared her feelings about how society expects her to remain trapped at the age she was when she first starred as Eleven. "I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me," she expressed. "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.”
This latest outcry was spurred by sensational headlines 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,” which criticized her seemingly natural aging process. "This isn’t journalism. This is bullying," said Brown, highlighting the absurdity of such attacks particularly aimed at someone her age.
With over 63.3 million followers on social media, Brown's call for compassion and maturity sheds light on the detrimental culture surrounding celebrity and body image. She emphasizes the disturbing nature of media focusing on women’s appearances rather than their achievements. “The fact 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,” she said.
Brown’s peers, including actors like Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Modine, have rallied around her, offering support and celebrating her resilience. Parker shared, "Enormously proud of you." Modine echoed this positivity, saying, "Yes. Good for you! Brava." Even model Winnie Harlow chimed in, expressing her solidarity, stating, "Mills sorry this happens my babes, you’re such sunshine & light. Sending you a big hug!”
The intensity of the criticism directed toward her has ignited discussions about the treatment of women, especially young females, in the entertainment industry. Brown pointed out this discrepancy: her male co-stars are often permitted to change and age without their every move making headlines, demonstrating the double standards perpetuated by the media.
Reflecting on her long career, Brown noted the impact it has had not only on her but on countless young girls who look up to her: “I have to wonder—what is it about me or my body or my face, what is it 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.”
The young actress made it clear she refuses 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 on her terms,” she said, summarizing her message with undeniable conviction.
This drama arrives during Brown’s promotional tour for her latest film, The Electric State, directed by the Russo brothers, slated to premiere on March 7, 2025. With her career continuing to flourish, it is stories like hers which reveal the necessity for change within media perceptions of women.
Millie Bobby Brown’s situation echoes the stories of numerous female celebrities before her, highlighting systemic issues within entertainment journalism. Celebrities like Britney Spears and Anna-Nicole Smith historically faced similar trials under the media's gaze. Brown’s stance establishes key dialogues about the enduring consequences of public scrutiny not only on celebrities but society as a whole.
“This is not just these headlines; it is a bigger issue of how women are perceived and judged based on their looks,” Brown concluded, illuminating the broad societal problems perpetuated by such narratives. It reminds us how important it is to stand up against the bullying aspects of journalism today.