Millie Bobby Brown Criticizes Media’s Obsession with Her Appearance: “It’s Disturbing”
Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role as “Eleven” in “Stranger Things,” posted a three-minute video on her Instagram page Monday to speak out against recent media coverage scrutinizing her physical appearance.
“This isn’t journalism, this is bullying,” the actress, who celebrated her 21st birthday last month, said as she read out the headlines of offending news stories and the reporters who wrote them.
Among them was an article by Lydia Hawken, titled “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?” and a piece by John Ely questioning, “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?” Another headline, from a writer named Cassie Carpenter, read, “Millie Bobby Brown mistaken for someone’s mom as she guides younger sister Ava through LA.”
Brown also criticized a story by Bethan Edwards, who wrote, “Little Britain’s Matt Lucas takes savage swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s new ‘mommy makeover’ look.” Particularly annoyed with the article, Brown suggested it was “amplifying an insult rather than questioning why a grown man is mocking a young woman’s appearance.”
In recent weeks, Brown has been on a press tour promoting her new film “The Electric State,” making appearances at both the SAG and Brit awards and attending the movie’s Hollywood premiere last month.
“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.”
Many of the articles Brown names in her post suggest that she appears significantly older than her actual age. “The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, is disturbing,” Brown said.
“Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs. I refuse to apologize for growing up.”
Since age ten, Brown has navigated the complexities of fame and life in the public eye, first capturing attention in the ABC drama “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” and later in the BBC America series “Intruders.”
In 2016, she experienced a pivotal moment in her career, securing the role of “Eleven” in the widely popular Netflix sci-fi series “Stranger Things.” Brown gained international recognition and received nominations for prestigious awards at both the SAG and Emmy awards for her outstanding performance.
Brown also spoke out about the criticism women especially often endure concerning their physical appearances. “The fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse,” she added.
“We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks.”
Numerous actors have expressed their support for Brown. Sarah Jessica Parker, recognized for her role in “Sex in the City,” stated that she was “enormously proud.” Meanwhile, Matthew Modine, Brown’s co-star on “Stranger Things,” added, “Yes. Good for you! Brava.”
Brown’s co-star in “Enola Holmes,” Louis Partridge, remarked: “Well said, Millie. Handled with grace.” Actress Sharon Stone added, “Beautifully said Thx it really doesn’t matter our age or stature, we must be willing to own ourselves fully not fall to the false ideology of tear down media. Good job my friend.”
Aaron Paul wrote, “You are such a beautiful example of grace and mutuality. Way to stand up for yourself. So proud of you Mills.” Mckenna Grace, who plays “Esther” in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” stated, “No young woman or person deserves to feel pressure or cruelty for simply existing. You are so well-spoken and so beautiful. Very well said, thank you for making this video.”
Brown ended the video by saying, “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 the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to 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.”
Her film “The Electric State” will be released later this month, and the final season of “Stranger Things” is expected to come out later this year.
Moumita Basuroychowdhury is a Contributing Reporter at The National Digest. After earning an economics degree at Cornell University, she moved to NYC to pursue her MFA in creative writing. She enjoys reporting on science, business and culture news. You can reach her at moumita.b@thenationaldigest.com.
