Millie Bobby Brown Speaks Out Against ‘Horrible’ Media Coverage: “I Will Not Be Shamed”

The Actress Responds to Criticism of Her Appearance, Calling Out Media for Bullying Young Women and Advocating for Change

Millie Bobby Brown is once again taking a stand against the relentless media scrutiny that has followed her since she was a young star on Stranger Things. In a heartfelt Instagram video posted Monday, the 21-year-old actress slammed the “horrible” and “bullying” comments about her appearance, which have escalated over the years as she’s grown up in the public eye.

Brown, who was just 12 years old when Stranger Things first hit Netflix, has become a fixture in the media, facing unrealistic expectations about how she “should” look as she matures. As she reflected on her career and the negative attention she’s received, the actress pointed out that the issue is far bigger than her personal experience—it’s something that affects young women across the world who grow up under public scrutiny.

“I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me,” she shared. “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.”

In the video, Brown specifically addressed a string of disparaging headlines, particularly from outlets like Daily Mail, which had published articles critiquing her appearance with headlines like, “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?” and “Millie Bobby Brown mistaken for someone’s mom.” She blasted the writers for their harmful coverage, calling it “bullying” rather than journalism.

“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” Brown wrote in her Instagram caption. “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.”

Brown didn’t hold back as she criticized the industry’s double standards, pointing out how media outlets are quick to tear down young women for profit. “We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks,” she said. “Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs.”

Her message is clear: Brown will not shrink herself to fit the unrealistic expectations of others. “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.”

Brown, who is also the founder of the beauty brand Florence by Mills, ended her post with a powerful call to action: “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.”

As the world continues to watch Brown evolve into a young adult, her message resonates deeply in a culture where women, particularly those in the spotlight, are often subject to extreme scrutiny. Her response is a plea for empathy, growth, and respect—not only for herself but for all young women navigating the complexities of public life.

In a time where social media and press outlets hold significant influence, Millie Bobby Brown’s candid approach serves as a reminder that everyone, especially young women, deserves the freedom to grow without being defined or limited by the criticisms of others.