Los Angeles, March 4: Actress Millie Bobby Brown, renowned for her role in Stranger Things, has responded forcefully to media criticism regarding her evolving physical appearance. The 19-year-old shared a candid and powerful message on Instagram, addressing the “disturbing” media coverage that focuses on “dissecting my face, my body, my choices.”
In her post, Millie explained how growing up in the public eye has made her a target for unjust scrutiny. “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,” she wrote. “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.”
Millie expressed that she felt “bullied” by the media’s harsh commentary, citing various articles that scrutinized her appearance, including one questioning why she “aged so badly” and another mocking her for looking like someone’s “mom.” “This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” she emphasized.
She also pointed out the hypocrisy of such criticisms, particularly from female writers. “We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks,” she said. “Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs.”
Millie made it clear that she would not apologize for her growth and would not be pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. “I refuse to apologize 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,” she declared.
She closed her post by calling for a shift in societal attitudes: “Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?” she asked. “Let’s 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.”
Millie’s supporters quickly flooded the comment section of her post, showing their unwavering support for the young actress.