Millie Bobby Brown calls out the press for body shaming
What's the story
Millie Bobby Brown, the acclaimed Stranger Things actor, has publicly slammed the media for their "bullying" scrutiny of her changing physical appearance.
In an Instagram video, she lamented specific articles and authors who have been "dissecting my face, my body, my choices."
The 20-year-old star started her career in the entertainment industry at just 10 years of age and has grown up in the limelight.
Media scrutiny
Brown called out media's obsession with her physical changes
In the video caption, Brown lamented people's inability to accept her growth and change.
She wrote, "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."
Unfair treatment
'What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?'
Brown was disappointed with those who were all too keen to tear down young women.
She read some recent headlines about her, such as "Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?" and "What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?"
The article that hurt her most was Little Britain's Matt Lucas's swipe at Brown's 'mommy makeover' look, which she saw as an insult rather than a critique of an adult mocking a young woman.
Call for change
'This isn't journalism. This is bullying,' said Brown
Brown further said, "This isn't journalism. This is bullying," about the media coverage she's been getting.
She was disturbed that adult writers were spending their time analyzing her face, body, and choices.
"I refuse to apologize for growing up...I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself."
She ended by asking society to improve and empower young girls and allow them to grow up without the fear of constant judgment.
Career progression
Brown's career continues to thrive amid media scrutiny
Despite the media scrutiny, Brown's career continues to flourish. She is set for a packed 2025 with the release of The Electric State later this month and Stranger Things's final season arriving later this year.
Apart from Stranger Things, she has also gained popularity on Netflix through her roles in Enola Holmes and Damsel.