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Millie Bobby Brown, the Stranger Things star and one of Hollywood’s most prominent young actresses, has taken a bold stand against journalists who have criticized her appearance. In a powerful video posted to Instagram, Brown called out the toxic culture of scrutinizing women’s looks and urged the media to “do better.”
The 21-year-old actress is currently promoting her latest project, The Electric State, a highly anticipated Netflix sci-fi film in which she stars alongside Chris Pratt. However, instead of celebrating her achievements, some media outlets have chosen to focus on her appearance, publishing articles with headlines like “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?” and “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?”
Millie Bobby Brown’s Powerful Response
In her Instagram video, Brown addressed the criticism head-on, delivering a heartfelt and impassioned message about the pressures of growing up in the public eye.
“I want to take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me,” she began. “Something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny.”
Brown reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry, which began when she was just 10 years old. She questioned why society expects her to remain frozen in time, as if she should still look the same as she did in Stranger Things Season 1.
*“Why do people 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,”* she said.
Calling Out Specific Journalists
Brown didn’t shy away from naming the journalists and publications responsible for the hurtful articles. She listed four specific examples:
- “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.
- “Little Britain’s Matt Lucas takes savage swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s new mummy makeover look.” – Written by Bethan Edwards.
“This isn’t journalism, this is bullying,” Brown declared. “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.”
A Message of Empowerment
Brown concluded her video with a powerful message of self-acceptance and a call to action for the media and society at large.
“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,” she said. “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.”
The Electric State: A New Chapter for Brown
While the criticism has overshadowed parts of her press tour, Brown remains focused on her work. The Electric State, a dystopian sci-fi epic directed by the Russo brothers, is set to premiere on Netflix on March 14, 2025. The film, which also stars Chris Pratt, follows a young woman’s journey through a war-torn America overrun by rogue robots.
Despite the film’s ambitious scale and star power, early reviews have been mixed, with critics citing issues with pacing and character development. However, Brown’s performance has been a standout, showcasing her growth as an actress beyond her iconic role as Eleven in Stranger Things.
What’s Next for Millie Bobby Brown?
In addition to The Electric State, Brown is set to reprise her role as Eleven in the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, which is currently in production. She’s also expanding her career as a producer and entrepreneur, with her beauty brand, Florence by Mills, continuing to thrive.
As Brown continues to navigate the challenges of fame, her message serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness and respect in the media. Her courage in speaking out against body shaming and ageism is a testament to her resilience and commitment to empowering young women everywhere.
What Can We Do?
Brown’s call to action is clear: it’s time to hold the media accountable for perpetuating harmful narratives about women’s appearances. By supporting positive representation and rejecting toxic criticism, we can create a culture where young girls can grow up without fear of being judged for simply existing.
For now, mark your calendars for The Electric State, streaming on Netflix from March 14, 2025.
Millie Bobby Brown’s message is a powerful reminder that growing up is not a crime—and that it’s time for the world to do better.
