Millie Bobby Brown has had quite enough, and she isn't holding back. On Monday night, the British actress took to Instagram with a fiery rebuttal, aimed squarely at those on social media and in the press who have subjected her appearance to scrutiny during the promotional tour for her latest film, "The Electric State." She even went as far as to publicly call out specific journalists who penned articles focusing on her looks.
In a nearly three-minute video, Brown delved into her journey of being in the public eye since the tender age of 10, when she shot to fame as a breakthrough star in Netflix's smash hit series "Stranger Things." "I've essentially grown up in front of the entire world," she lamented, "yet for some inexplicable reason, people refuse to grow with me. Instead, they expect me to remain a frozen snapshot in time, as if I'm still meant to embody the image from 'Stranger Things' season one. And because I don't, I've become a target."
With passion igniting her words, Brown recited headlines from four recent articles that zeroed in on her appearance and named the journalists responsible. She emphasized that these pieces were not journalism but bullying in disguise. "It's disturbing to see adult writers dedicate their time to dissecting my face, my body, and my choices," she added. "And what makes it even more galling is that some of these articles are penned by women. We talk the talk about supporting and empowering young women, but when push comes to shove, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks."
During the recent "Electric State" press tour, Brown has been candid about her unconventional upbringing under the glare of the spotlight. "I don't have a vast circle of friends because of who I am," she confessed to Vanity Fair. "I didn't attend school, so I lack the finest social skills when it comes to interacting with peers and forming friendships. It's something I've struggled with immensely. I've missed out on quite a bit. But I'm actively working through it."
She also opened up to Vanity Fair about being sexualized online from a tender age, which prompted her to delete her social media accounts in 2022 amidst her struggles with body image.
Read Brown’s full statement below.
Hi everyone, it’s Milly.
I want to take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me. Something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny. I think this is very necessary to talk about.
I started in the 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 up with me.
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 one, and because I don’t, I’m now a target.
I want to talk about some of the articles that have recently released while I’m on my press tour, and some of the writers who are so desperate to tear young women down.
One article reads, “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly” written by Lydia Hawkin.
“What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face,” written by John Ely.
“Millie Bobby Brown mistaken for someone’s mum as she guides younger sister Ava through LA” written by Cassie Carpenter.
Another article reads, “Little Britain’s Matt Lucas takes savage swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s new mummy makeover look,” written by Bethan Edwards.
Amplifying an insult rather than questioning why a grown man is mocking a young woman’s appearance. This isn’t journalism, this is bullying.
The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, is disturbing, and the fact that some of these articles are written by women makes it even worse.
We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when it comes down to it, it seems a lot easier to just tear them down for clicks.
Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not their own.
I refuse 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.
I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress or how I present myself. We have become a society where it’s so much easier to criticize than it is to pay a compliment. Why is it the knee jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than just say something nice?
If you have a problem with that, I have to wonder. What is it that actually makes you so uncomfortable?
Let’s do better, not just for me but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without the fear of being torn apart for simply existing.
Thank you.
