Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown responds to tabloid bullying aimed at her appearance

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown has criticised numerous tabloids and recent press articles that have criticised her appearance, saying "this isn't journalism, this is bullying".

The 21-year-old actress posted a three-minute video on her Instagram page, in which she called out article headlines and the names of the reporters who wrote them – including the Daily Mail's crass profile titled ‘Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?’

Brown said: “I want to take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me, something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny. I think it’s necessary to speak up about this.”

“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. 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.” 

She then addressed several tabloid headlines and the writers behind them by name: “This isn’t journalism. This is bullying. The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing. The fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse. We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks. Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs.” 

Millie Bobby Brown continued, standing her ground: “I refuse to apologise 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. 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 criticise 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 fear of being torn apart for simply existing.” 

Here’s the full video:

Brown has been praised by fellow actors in response to the post, including Sex And The City's Sarah Jessica Parker, who wrote that she was "enormously proud". 

Brown's co-star in Enola Holmes, Louis Partridge, commented: "Well said Millie. Handled with grace." 

Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul commented on the post: “You are such a beautiful example of grace and mutuality. Way to stand up for yourself. So proud of you Mills.”

Millie Bobby Brown, 21, has grown up in the media spotlight since the age of nine, when she appeared in ABC drama Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. She got her big break in 2016 when she was cast as Eleven in Netflix's sci-fi hit series Stranger Things. 

In May last year, she got married to Jake Bongiovi, son of Jon Bon Jovi – something which intensified tabloid gossip and press scrutiny.  

Brown has been on the promotion circuit in recent weeks for the press tour of her new movie The Electric State, whilst also making appearances at the SAG and Brit awards.

Filming on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things wrapped in December 2024. It is set to be released sometime this year on Netflix.