Millie Bobby Brown Calls Out Media for Bullying Over Appearance

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Actress Millie Bobby Brown, known for her role in u201cStranger Things,u201d has condemned media coverage that she claims amounts to bullying regarding her changing appearance. In a video shared on Instagram, she addressed the press for what she characterized as disturbing commentary about her physical looks, stating that it has been difficult to bear such scrutiny since she began her career at 10 years old.

u201cI grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people canu2019t seem to grow with me,u201d Brown wrote. u201cInstead, they act like Iu2019m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on u2018Stranger Thingsu2019 Season 1. And because I donu2019t, Iu2019m now a target.u201d

Brown specifically cited several articles and writers, including headlines that questioned why she and her peers were u201caging so badlyu201d and addressed alleged cosmetic changes to her face. She stated that one particular article, which mocked her for a u201cmommy makeover,u201d was especially offensive as it u201camplifies an insult rather than questioning why a grown man is mocking a young woman’s appearance.u201d

u201cThis isn’t journalism. This is bullying,u201d Brown emphasized. u201cThe fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing.u201d

In her impassioned message, Brown condemned not only the media but also called out women writers contributing to this negative narrative. She expressed disappointment that some articles by women have failed to uplift young women, u201cWe always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks.u201d

Brown reinforced her commitment to self-acceptance, stating, u201cI refuse to apologize for growing up. I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people who canu2019t handle seeing a girl become a woman.u201d

Nearing the release of her new Netflix film, u201cThe Electric State,u201d and with the final season of u201cStranger Thingsu201d on the horizon, Brown’s statements resonate with a wider cultural dialogue about the pressures faced by young women in the public eye. She concluded her video with a call to action for society at large, urging a shift towards more positivity and support: u201cLetu2019s 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.u201d