Millie Bobby Brown Calls Out Journalists for Criticizing Her Appearance: “I Will Not Be Shamed”
Millie Bobby Brown is refusing to stay silent. The 21-year-old actress, best known for her breakout role as Eleven on Stranger Things, recently took to social media to call out journalists and critics who have been making harsh comments about her appearance. In a recent, and very candid Instagram video, Brown addresses the relentless scrutiny she’s faced while growing up in the public eye. Now, standing on her feet as a blossoming young adult, she is making it clear—she’s not here for the negativity.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Millie Bobby Brown has been in the entertainment industry since she was 10 years old. That means she’s had to navigate childhood, adolescence, and now adulthood while the world watched—and judged her, every step of the way.
In her recent video, she expresses her frustration and wonders why it is that people can’t seem to accept that she’s grown up, saying:
“I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow up with me.”
She pointed out how some critics expect her to look the same as she did when Stranger Things first aired, and how that unrealistic expectation has fueled negative commentary about her natural changes over the years.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Millie Bobby Brown Calls Out the Critics
Brown didn’t hold back when addressing specific articles that have picked apart her appearance. She directly referenced headlines that questioned why she looked “older” or accused her of altering her face—something she firmly denied.
“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” she said, shutting down the idea that criticizing a young woman’s face is somehow newsworthy.
According to Millie, additional frustration comes from the fact that fellow women are responsible for writing some of these articles. Millie pointed out the hypocrisy of a society that preaches about empowering young women while simultaneously tearing them down for clicks and engagement.
The Internet’s Reaction to Millie’s Video
Fans and fellow celebrities quickly rallied around Millie, showing support in the comments and across social media. Many agreed that the intense scrutiny young women in Hollywood face is unfair and damaging.
In response to Millie’s video, Matt Lucas, who Millie called out in that list of offending journalists, publicly apologized for his past comments about her looks. He admitted that he hadn’t meant to offend her and regretted his words, proving that speaking up can lead to real change.
“I Refuse to Make Myself Smaller”
Throughout the video, Brown makes it clear that she’s refusing to let the criticism define her. She’s embracing her adulthood, her evolving style, and her right to exist without constantly being a target for judgement.
“I refuse to make myself smaller to fit unrealistic expectations,” she said.
At a recent Electric State screening in London, Millie radiated confidence, stepping out in a stunning red strapless gown. Her message was loud and clear—she’s owning who she is, and she’s not going to let anyone shame her for it.
Photo Credit: Instagram
A Call for Change
Millie ended her video with a powerful call to action. She is urging people—especially women—to do better in supporting one another.
“We talk about uplifting young women, but when the time comes, so many are quick to tear them down. Let’s be better,” she said.
Her words serve as an important reminder that public figures are real people, too. Constantly picking apart their appearance does real harm, and it’s time to shift the conversation toward kindness and respect.
Brown’s message resonated far beyond just her own experience—it’s a wake-up call for how we talk about women, aging, and beauty in general.
One thing’s for sure: Millie Bobby Brown is standing tall, and she’s not letting the critics win.
