The Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown speaks up after receiving hurtful comments on her looks.
Millie Bobby Brown calls out media bullying over her looks
The 21-year-old wasn’t just speaking up for herself—she was calling out the entire obsession with young celebrities growing up in the public eye.
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She straight-up refused to “apologize for growing up”. She also shut down the never-ending commentary on her looks, saying people needed to stop “dissecting” her appearance like it was some kind of science experiment.
She criticized writers for tearing young women down
The Enola Holmes actress used her Instagram to call out writers who make a living off tearing “young women down.”
“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” she said. “The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing.”
She was exposed to the public at only 10 years old
She talked about getting into the industry at just 10 years old, growing up “in front of the world,” and yet somehow, people “can’t seem to grow with me.”
The Damsel star got real about feeling like a target just because—shockingly—she doesn’t look the same as she did when she was a little kid. “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,” she said. Yeah… not how life works.
What’s more ironic is that some of the critics are women
What made it even worse is that some of these articles were written by women! The Damsel star made it clear—she’s not about to be shamed for how she looks, what she wears, or how she carries herself.
“I refuse to apologize for growing up,” she said. “I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people who can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman.”
Millie’s comments section was also flooded with love from both fans and celebrities
Sharon Stone, the Basic Instinct icon, jumped in with, “Beautifully said 🙌 Thx it really doesn’t matter our age or stature, we must be willing to own ourselves fully not fall to the false ideology of tear down media. Good job my friend.”
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, also chimed in, saying, “This post is so important, and your words are powerful. You are a light in this world keep shining unapologetically.”
Safe to say, Millie’s message hit
Dr. Patrick Wanis, a behavioral and relationship expert, had a little more to say. He pointed out that celebrities who actually stand up and challenge toxic norms are the ones who’ll drive real change.
“Celebrities have immense influence—either as perpetuators of unhealthy ideals or as flag bearers for authenticity,” he told Bored Panda over email. “Their role depends on how they navigate the pressures of Hollywood.”
Many stars face constant scrutiny over their bodies
Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, and so many others get picked apart over every little weight change, whether it’s up or down.
And calling out the media—just like Millie did—is a big part of shifting the conversation around celebrity appearances.
