Millie Bobby Brown, the 21-year-old star of the hit series Stranger Things, has taken to social media to openly criticize the negative scrutiny she has faced about her appearance. Following the 2025 SAG Awards, when many tabloids expressed harsh opinions about her looks, including insinuations she looked older than her years, Brown recorded a powerful video to address the growing attacks. This move has ignited conversations about the broader issue of media scrutiny on young women.
On March 4, 2025, Millie posted a two-and-a-half-minute video on her Instagram, which quickly garnered millions of views and likes, where she articulated her frustrations. “I want to take a moment to address something bigger than just me, something affecting every young woman who grows under public scrutiny,” she explained, clearly distressed by the remarks thrown her way. “I started in this industry when I was 10 years old. I grew up before the world, and somehow, people can’t seem to grow with me.”
Throughout her career, Millie has often found herself at the center of social media storms and tabloid controversies. Just last month, many outlets criticized her appearance at the SAG Awards, spotlighting comments about how she was aging and likening her looks to someone much older. Not one to shy away from confrontation, Brown reposted an opinion piece published by British Vogue titled “No One Cares How Old You Think Millie Bobby Brown Looks,” and expressed her gratitude with the simple response, “thank you.”
During her video, Millie singled out specific media articles and their authors for their derogatory coverage. The actress’ tone turned firm as she pointed out headlines, for example, from the Daily Mail, such as “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?” by Lydia Hawken and “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?” by John Ely. “This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” Brown asserted, emphasizing the insensitivity of these articles. “The fact these are being written by adult women is even worse. We often discuss supporting young women, yet when the moment arises, it seems easier to tear them down.”
By calling out these writers directly, Brown took a stand not just for herself but for all young women who face similar scrutiny. “I refuse to apologize for growing up,” she declared. “I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself.” Her potent message resonates with many celebrity figures, who publicly backed her stance. Notable actress Sarah Jessica Parker expressed her pride, saying, “Enormously proud of you.” Meanwhile, actor Aaron Paul praised Millie for displaying such grace amid adversity.
Criticism aimed at Millie's appearance has been persistent and malevolent, often blending sexualization with unwarranted scrutiny. Since her early teenage years, Millie has felt the lens of the media scrutiny on every choice she makes, from her fashion decisions to the dialogues surrounding her age. Recently, she employed sharp fashion references, sporting looks reminiscent of prominent personalities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Pamela Anderson, which only fueled the relentless buzz surrounding her image.
Despite the tough emotional toll, Brown remains resilient and calls for societal change. “Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something terrible rather than something kind?” she asked, pointing out the societal tendency to criticize rather than commend. “Let’s do this for every young girl who deserves to grow up without the fear of being targeted for existing. Let’s create a world where we uplift each other instead.”
Millie’s candid video could be seen as reflective of changing times, where celebrities challenge traditional narratives set forth by the media. And even as she articulates her frustrations, she advocates for more kindness and decency in public discourse. The initiatives taken by Brown and her peers serve as necessary calls to action, breaking the chains of bullying and reclamation of self-image.
This recent outpouring of support has also highlighted how close-knit the entertainment community can be, as peers like actor Louis Partridge and model Winnie Harlow expressed their solidarity. “You are such sunshine & light,” Harlow shared, echoing the sentiments of many fans who flooded Brown's post with encouragement.
Now, with over 1.5 million likes on her Instagram video alone, Brown's powerful rebuttal against the unrealistic scrutiny on her image continues to inspire conversations concerning media ethics and the treatment of young women—especially those born within the spotlight.
Having debuted publicly at the tender age of 12 on Netflix's Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown quickly ascended to international fame. Her significant role as Eleven dramatically shifted her life, thrusting her under the media's microscope. Recently, she took on the role of lead character again; filming wrapped for the show’s final season only last year, which promises to be another chapter for Brown highlighting her evolution. Her marriage to Jake Bongiovi last May cast her even more under the public gaze, yet her renewed confidence showcases her determination to control her narrative. Who knew, beneath the celebrity veneer, lay strength and resilience? Millie's words compel us to reconsider how we view young women, their transformations, and the unsung battles they fight behind the tabloid headlines.