Millie Bobby Brown is speaking out against the relentless public scrutiny she faces regarding her looks, calling out media outlets and online critics for their harsh commentary.
The 21-year-old Stranger Things star shared a passionate video on Instagram on Monday, March 3, addressing the pressure young women face in the public eye.
“I Refuse to Apologize for Growing Up”
“I started in this industry when I was 10 years old. I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me,” Brown stated in her video. “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.”
The Electric State actress called out articles dissecting her appearance, including headlines like “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?” and “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?”
She also pointed to a specific article that highlighted comedian Matt Lucas’ joke about her appearance, questioning why a grown man’s mockery of a young woman’s looks was given a platform.
“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” Brown asserted. “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.”
A Call for Change
Brown went on to criticize the double standards women face in the industry, saying, “We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks.”
She made it clear that she will not apologize for growing up, changing, or presenting herself in the way she chooses.
“I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people who can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman,” she said. “We have become a society where it’s so much easier to criticize than it is to pay a compliment. If you have a problem with that, I have to wonder—what is it that actually makes you so uncomfortable?”
Brown concluded with a powerful message: “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.”
Clapping Back at Critics
This isn’t the first time Brown has addressed criticism over her appearance.
- In January, she hit back at trolls who claimed she looked older than her age, posting on Instagram: “Women grow!! Not sorry about it :).”
- Last week, she subtly responded to the backlash by resharing a British Vogue article titled “No One Cares How Old You Think Millie Bobby Brown Looks”, adding, “Thank you.”
Brown’s Unapologetic Stance
Despite the negativity, Brown remains steadfast in owning her growth and confidence. As she continues to navigate Hollywood on her terms, she’s making it clear—she won’t let the noise define her.