Millie Bobby Brown Opens Up On The 'Gross' Way She Was Sexualized As A Teen

Apr 12, 2022, 3:32 PM

instagram | @milliebobbybrown

If you were to make a list of groundbreaking Netflix original series, then Stranger Things would undoubtedly be the cream of the crop. The show has transcended the medium and become an integral part of our collective pop culture.

Although it seems like it was only yesterday that we took our first uneasy steps into the Upside Down, in reality, it's been more than six years. Now that Stranger Things breakout star, Millie Bobby Brown, has officially turned 18, she's speaking out about how she was sexualized as a teen.

Very few series have been able to captivate audiences like 'Stranger Things' has.

Unsplash | Puneeth Shetty

This supernatural sci-fi series centers around a group of young friends as they navigate the trials and tribulations of adolescence, while simultaneously doing battle with sinister government/supernatural forces.

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On top of becoming Netflix's flagship series, 'Stranger Things' has also helped launch the careers of two of Hollywood's most promising young actors.

instagram | @milliebobbybrown

The first is Finn Wolfhard, and the second is the series' breakout star — actress Millie Bobby Brown.

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Although it's hard to imagine, Millie was only 12-years-old when she was originally cast as El (aka Eleven).

Giphy

Fast forward to February 19th of 2022, and Millie Bobby Brown is now officially an adult, having just recently celebrated her 18th birthday.

Even though Millie only came of age less than two months ago, she's been scrutinized and objectified for the better part of the past five years.

Millie Bobby Brown with pink paint on hands.

instagram | @milliebobbybrown

While making an appearance on The Guilty Feminist podcast, Millie sat down to discuss the many ways in which she's been sexualized by the media and the public throughout her short career.

“I deal with the same things any 18-year-old is dealing with," Millie began.

instagram | @milliebobbybrown

"Navigating being an adult and having relationships and friendships, and it’s all of those things," she said. "Being liked and trying to fit in, it’s all a lot, and you’re trying to know yourself while doing that."

When the conversation steered into the topic of Millie being sexualized, she admitted how she found it incredibly overwhelming.

Millie Bobby Brown pointing to her eyes.

Giphy | Converse

Millie explained how she's "Definitely seeing a difference between the way people act and the way the press and social media react to me coming of age. It’s gross."

Millie told hostess Deborah Frances-White how her career thus far in Hollywood speaks to the bigger picture at hand.

instagram | @milliebobbybrown

Millie called her experience "A good representation of what’s going on in the world and how young girls are sexualized."

"I have been dealing with that — but I have also been dealing with that for forever," she said poignantly.

Millie Bobby Brown before the BAFTA Awards.

instagram | @milliebobbybrown

Millie went on to recall a time when she was dragged in the press for having the audacity to wear a low-cut dress to an awards show.

"I thought 'Is this really what we should be talking about?'" she asked perplexed.

Millie Bobby Brown making a cringe face and walking away.

Giphy | Converse

"We should be talking about the incredible people that were there at the awards show, the talent that was there, the people we are representing.” she said.

Sadly, this is far from the first time that Millie has had to deal with sexual objectification.

Millie Bobby Brown wearing blue sunglasses.

instagram | @milliebobbybrown

On the day that Millie turned 16-years-old, the rising star took to social media to share a post wherein she expressed just how much hurt and pain these types of comments cause.

"I feel like change needs to happen for not only this generation but the next," Millie's post began.

"I'll admit that. there are moments I get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualization, and unnecessary insults that ultimately have resulted in pain and insecurity for me but not ever will I be defeated."