'I will not be shamed for how I look:' Millie Bobby Brown calls out media 'bullying'
(TNND) — Actress Millie Bobby Brown is speaking out against the "bullies" who continue to criticize her appearance and the people who "can't seem to grow up" with her.
Wed, 5 Mar 2025
The 21-year-old "Stranger Things" star posted a video on Instagram discussing the increase in articles she says "are so desperate to tear young women down" and called out several journalists and the headlines they have written.
"This isn't journalism. This is bullying," Brown said.
"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 continued. "I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself.
Millie Bobby Brown, the 21-year-old actress renowned for her role in "Stranger Things," recently addressed media scrutiny regarding her appearance, labeling it as bullying. In a video shared on her Instagram, she expressed frustration over the public's reluctance to accept her growth, stating, "I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can't seem to grow up with me."
Brown highlighted specific headlines that critiqued her looks, including "Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?" and "What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?" She condemned such articles, asserting, "This isn't journalism. This is bullying." She further criticized adult writers for dissecting her appearance and expressed disappointment that some of these articles were penned by women.
The actress also addressed a recent incident involving comedian Matt Lucas, who compared her appearance to a character from his past show. Lucas has since apologized, clarifying that his comment was intended as a light-hearted reference, not a critique.
Brown emphasized her refusal to be shamed for her natural aging and personal choices, urging support for young women navigating public scrutiny. She called for an end to harmful commentary and highlighted the need for societal change in how young women are perceived and discussed in the media.
This incident underscores the broader issue of young women facing relentless scrutiny about their appearance, often exacerbated by social media and societal beauty standards. Brown's stance reflects a growing movement advocating for respect and support for individuals as they evolve, free from unwarranted criticism.