Millie Bobby Brown, best known for her role as Eleven in Stranger Things, has spoken out against the intense media scrutiny she has faced as a young woman in the entertainment industry. In a powerful video shared on Instagram, the 21-year-old actor addressed the unrealistic expectations imposed upon her and called out journalists for publishing articles that criticize her looks and body. Brown, who has grown up in the public eye since the age of 10, did not hold back in condemning what she describes as bullying.
“This Isn’t Journalism. This is Bullying.”
Reflecting on her experience of being in the spotlight for more than a decade, Brown highlighted how difficult it is for child actors to transition into adulthood without being criticized for their natural growth and evolution. “For some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me. Instead, they expect me to stay frozen in time,” she said, referencing her changing appearance and the backlash she has received for simply aging.
The British actress specifically called out articles with sensational headlines that have fueled negative discourse about her looks. Some of the headlines she mentioned include: “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?”, “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?”, “Millie Bobby Brown mistaken for someone’s mom as she guides younger sister Ava through LA., “Little Britain’s Matt Lucas takes savage swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s new ‘mommy makeover’ look.”
Brown expressed outrage over these narratives, particularly criticizing how some of the harshest articles have been written by female journalists. “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,” she stated. “We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks.”
Since her breakout role in Stranger Things at the age of 12, Brown has been a subject of public fascination. Her transformation from a child actor into an adult has been scrutinized, with many feeling entitled to comment on her appearance. This is not an uncommon experience for young female stars, as the entertainment industry and media often impose unrealistic beauty standards, making it nearly impossible for them to transition into adulthood without facing criticism.
Brown noted that she refuses to conform to these unfair expectations. “Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs. I refuse to apologize for growing up. I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people,” she declared.
A Call to Do Better
While speaking out, Brown urged society to change how it treats young women, particularly those in the public eye. “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,” she said.
Her words resonated with many fans and fellow celebrities, who quickly rallied behind her message. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker commented, “Enormously proud of you. Xxx, SJ.” Meanwhile, actress McKenna Grace praised Brown’s courage, saying, “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.”
Despite the negativity, Brown has remained steadfast in her belief that young women should embrace their growth without shame. “I refuse to apologize for growing up,” she reaffirmed in her video. Her statement encourages not just celebrities but also young girls everywhere to reject societal pressures that dictate how they should look or behave.
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