Millie Bobby Brown slams media for 'bullying' comments on her appearance

Millie Bobby Brown is speaking out against the harsh scrutiny she has faced over her looks.

The Stranger Things actress took to Instagram to call out the "bullying" remarks about her appearance. In a video message, the 21-year-old star addressed claims that she is "aging badly," stressing that this issue goes beyond her and affects all young women growing up in the public eye.

Having entered the entertainment industry at just 10 years old, Brown has essentially grown up in front of the world. With Stranger Things now having wrapped its final season, she reflected on how unrealistic expectations have shaped the way people perceive her.

"I want to take a moment to talk about something that isn’t just about me—it’s about every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny," Brown said. "I started in this industry as a child, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me. It’s as if I’m expected to stay frozen in time, to still look the way I did in Stranger Things Season 1. And now that I don’t, I’ve become a target."

She directly addressed the media’s fixation on her appearance, citing headlines that have criticized how she has aged and speculated on cosmetic procedures. Articles with titles like "Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?" and "What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?" have fueled toxic discussions. She also criticized coverage that amplified online ridicule, including a story highlighting Little Britain star Matt Lucas’ mocking remarks about her so-called "mommy makeover" look.

"This is not journalism. This is bullying," Brown asserted. "The fact that adult writers spend their time analyzing my face, my body, my choices—it’s disturbing. And when these articles are written by women? That’s even more disappointing. We constantly talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks."

She went on to call out the public’s discomfort with seeing young women grow into adulthood on their own terms.

"Some people just can’t handle watching a girl become a woman in her own way," she said. "I refuse to apologize for growing up. I refuse to shrink myself to fit the unrealistic expectations of those who can’t accept change."

Ending with a powerful message, Brown urged people to rethink their instinct to criticize.

"We live in a world where it’s easier to say something cruel than to give a compliment. Why is the immediate reaction to tear someone down rather than lift them up? And if that makes you uncomfortable, ask yourself—why? We need to 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."

Brown has been vocal about the pressures of fame and the challenges of growing up in the spotlight. As she continues her career, she remains an advocate for self-acceptance and a more supportive environment for young women.