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Millie Bobby Brown has called out the recent “disturbing” press coverage of her physical appearance, slamming them for “bullying” her.
In a video she shared on her Instagram, the Stranger Thingsstar cited headlines from stories criticising her face, hair, and body, and called out the writers by name.
“I want to take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me, something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny,” Brown’s post begins.
“I started in this industry when I was 10 years old,” Brown said. “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 ThingsSeason 1. And because I don’t, I’m now a target.”
While Brown debuted in 2013, playing guest roles on several television series, it was her breakout role as Eleven in the Netflix science fiction horror series Stranger Things in 2016 that turned her into a household name.
Brown then goes on to read out the headlines of some of the sexist coverage of her “aging so badly”, as well as the names of the authors she says are “so desperate to tear young women down”.
The actor has been making several red carpet events with her new blonde hair, attending the SAG Awards on February 23, the Los Angeles premiere of her new film, The Electric State, on February 24, and the BRIT Awards on 2 March.
“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” the Enola Holmes star continued.
“The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices is disturbing. And the fact that some of these articles are written by women makes it even worse.
“We always talk about supporting and uplifting young but when it comes down to it, it seems a lot easier to just tear them down for clicks. Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not their own. I refuse to apologise 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. I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself.
“Why is it the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than just say something nice? If you have a problem with that, I have to wonder, what is it that actually makes you so uncomfortable? Let’s do better, not just for me, but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without the fear of being torn apart for simply existing.”
Earlier this week, Brown shared a headline on Instagram from a British Vogue article, which addressed how critics on X, formerly Twitter, claimed she’s “looking older than ever” after she recently dyed her hair blonde. Re-sharing the Vogue article on her Instagram Story, Brown added simply: “@britishvogue, thank you.”
Just two months ago, Brown was forced to clap back at trolls who claimed she “looked 35”.
Brown responded to the comments on her Instagram Story, writing to her followers: “Women grow!! Not sorry about it,” alongside a smiley face emoji.
Brown’s post garnered praise and support, both from fans and people in the entertainment industry.
Mckenna Grace, who also started out as a child actor, commented on Brown’s post, writing: “No young woman or person deserves to feel pressure or cruelty for simply existing. You are so well spoken and so beautiful. Very well said, thank you for making this video.”
Sarah Jessica Parker also commented, writing: “Enormously proud of you,” while Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld wrote: “Bravo! You have tremendous influence! My daughter and so many others look up to you Millie! Stay true to yourself!”
Enola Holmes costar Louis Partridge wrote: “Well said Millie. Handled with grace.”
Brown is currently gearing up for the release of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, due out sometime this year. In December, she shared multiple on-set photos from across the years on her social media, bidding farewell to a role she played for nearly a decade.
“Isn’t graduation supposed to bring relief, like you’re glad to leave behind the teachers and classmates? Not me. I am nowhere near ready to leave you guys. I love each and every one of you and I’ll forever carry the memories and bonds we’ve created together as a family,” Brown said in the video.
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