Millie Bobby Brown has responded to articles criticizing her appearance in a powerful three-minute video posted on her Instagram on Monday, March 3.
The Stranger Things breakout star condemned the wave of media criticism targeting her looks, calling it "bullying" and courageously naming the journalists behind the articles.
Over the past week, Brown has faced criticism after debuting a blonde '90s blowout while promoting her new Netflix film, The Electric State.
While her platinum look, paired with '90s and 2000s-inspired ensembles, excited fans—some even speculating it could hint at a possible role in a Britney Spears biopic—several publications criticized her appearance, claiming she looked "aged beyond her years."
Millie Bobby Brown on Media Coverage About Her Looks: "This Isn't Journalism"
Bravely facing the camera without makeup, the 21-year-old star spoke about "something" she believed was bigger than herself—an "issue that affects every young woman growing up under public scrutiny."
She then directly confronted the criticism, describing it as harmful and demeaning.
"This isn’t journalism. This is bullying," she said and called out specific headlines and named some of the reporters who wrote them.
Brown expressed frustration at how adult writers focused on criticizing her appearance rather than celebrating her achievements.
"The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing," she continued. "The fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse."
She went on to reflect on the beginning of her career, starting at only 10 years old and later becoming a part of Netflix’s flagship show Stranger Things.
"I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me," she stressed. "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."
Stranger Things Star Embraces Aging
Despite the criticism she faces for simply growing up, Brown refuses to apologize and openly embraces aging.
"Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs. I refuse to apologize for growing up," she said. "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 then questioned those who took issue with her appearance, wondering what exactly made them "so uncomfortable."
Brown also pointed out the societal double standards that allow such criticism to continue: "We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when it comes down to it, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks."
At the end of her video, the Enola Holmes star called for change, urging the media to do better—not just for her, but for "every young girl who deserves to grow up without fear of being torn apart for simply existing."
What Made Millie Bobby Brown React?
For starters, the backlash against Brown began while she was promoting The Electric State and debuted her platinum blonde hairstyle.
Though fans found her new look bold and glamorous, some media outlets and social media users criticized it for allegedly making her look "significantly older" than her age.
This even leads to articles with questionable headlines like "Why Are Gen Zers Like Millie Bobby Brown Aging So Badly?" and "Did Millie Bobby Brown Get Plastic Surgery?"—scrutinizing her hair, makeup, and overall style.
A tabloid even described her as looking like "a 40-year-old woman pretending to be 22" and being called "someone’s mom" after she was seen with her young sister, Ava.
Social media users, on the other hand, mockingly asked "why she looked older" and "what a mania she has for wanting to look older."
Brown also faced criticism during high-profile events like the SAG Awards and BRIT Awards, where her striking red carpet looks drew both admiration and harsh commentary.
Despite that though, Brown has garnered widespread support from fans and peers alike.
Fellow actress Mckenna Grace commented on her post: "No young woman or person deserves to feel pressure or cruelty for simply existing. You are so well-spoken and so beautiful."
Sarah Jessica Parker expressed how proud she is of Brown, while Aaron Paul called her "a beautiful example of grace and mutuality."
True enough, Brown is one of the bravest women in Hollywood, standing up against judgmental comments about female celebrities' appearances. And by the looks of it, she has no plans to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and expectations set by the media and society.