Millie Bobby Brown is taking a stand against the media’s harsh scrutiny of her appearance, calling out recent tabloid coverage as “bullying” rather than journalism.

The Stranger Things star, 21, addressed the issue in a three-minute Instagram video, where she openly criticized headlines targeting her looks—including a particularly crass article from the Daily Mail titled “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?”

Brown, who has been in the public eye since she was 10, spoke passionately about the unrealistic expectations placed on young women in Hollywood.

 

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“I started in this 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 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 1. And because I don’t, I’m now a target.”

She then called out journalists by name, condemning their focus on her appearance rather than her career. “This isn’t journalism. This is bullying. The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices—it’s disturbing.”

Brown expressed particular disappointment in female journalists contributing to the criticism, saying, “We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks.”

Despite the negativity, Brown made it clear that she won’t be shamed for embracing adulthood on her own terms.

“I refuse to apologise 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.”

She also challenged society’s tendency to criticize rather than uplift, asking, “Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?”

Her powerful message quickly gained support from fellow celebrities. Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker commented, calling Brown’s stance “enormously proud.” Enola Holmes co-star Louis Partridge praised her for handling the situation with grace, and Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul wrote, “Way to stand up for yourself. So proud of you, Mills.”

Brown’s personal life has been a frequent topic of tabloid discussion, especially following her 2023 marriage to Jake Bongiovi, son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi. She’s also been making waves in Hollywood, currently promoting her new film, The Electric State, while preparing for the highly anticipated final season of Stranger Things, set to release later this year.

With her strong message against media scrutiny, Brown is proving she’s not just a Hollywood star—she’s a role model for young women everywhere.