Millie Bobby Brown is speaking out against the public and media’s fixation on her appearance. The Stranger Things star shared a heartfelt Instagram video on Monday, March 3, addressing articles and commentary that scrutinize her looks.
In her post, Brown, 21, expressed her frustration, writing, “I want to address something that’s bigger than me—something that affects every young woman growing up in the public eye.” She added, “I’ve been in this industry since I was 10 years old, and it seems like some people can’t accept that I’ve grown up. Instead, they want me to stay frozen in time, looking the way I did in Stranger Things Season 1. But I’m not that person anymore, and now I’ve become the target.”
Brown called out specific articles with headlines like “Why Do Gen Zers Like Millie Bobby Brown Age So Badly?” and “What Did Millie Bobby Brown Do to Herself?” She also referenced a piece titled “Matt Lucas Takes Savage Swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s ‘Mommy Makeover’”, noting that it was more insulting than journalistic.
“It’s not journalism,” she said. “It’s bullying. The fact that adult writers spend time dissecting my face, my body, and my choices is concerning. And the fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse. We talk about supporting young women, but when it comes down to it, it’s easier to tear them down for clicks.”
Brown emphasized her refusal to apologize for growing up: “I won’t shrink to fit unrealistic expectations. I won’t be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself. Our society has become one where it’s easier to criticize than to compliment. If you have a problem with this, I have to wonder—what’s really making you so unhappy?”
She concluded with a call to action: “Let’s do better—not just for me, but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without fearing judgment or being torn down simply for existing.”
This isn’t the first time Brown has faced criticism about her appearance. In January, she clapped back at online trolls who claimed she looked older than her age, writing on Instagram, “Women age!! No apologies :).” Last week, she reshared a British Vogue article titled “No One Cares What You Think Millie Bobby Brown Looks Like” with a simple “Thank you.”
Brown’s message resonates as a powerful reminder of the pressures young women face in the public eye and the importance of kindness and support.
