Millie Bobby Brown criticizes media for “bullying” headlines about her appearance, saying harsh coverage left her in tears and harms young women in the industry.
Millie Bobby Brown is pushing back forcefully against the media culture she says has repeatedly demeaned and scrutinized her appearance.
In a candid new interview with British Vogue, the 21-year-old Stranger Things star detailed the emotional toll of being targeted by harsh headlines—particularly during the press tour for Netflix’s The Electric State earlier this year.
Brown went viral in March after posting a pointed Instagram video calling out publications such as The Daily Mail for what she described as “bullying disguised as journalism.”
At the time, several outlets published pieces criticizing her face, hair color, and overall looks, with headlines asking, “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?” and “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?”
Brown said the commentary was so relentless that she was “crying every day,” struggling to maintain composure while promoting her film.
The actor recalled one especially difficult moment at the BRIT Awards, where she was scheduled to present an award to Sabrina Carpenter.
Brown said she was in tears while getting her hair and makeup done and was still emotional backstage. Carpenter, sensing her distress, encouraged her to ignore the negativity—an empowering moment Brown said helped her regain strength.
“Her mentality is very much like, ‘F— ’em,’ which I knew inside of me,” Brown said. “But when you hear someone else say it, it resonates.”
Brown emphasized that she respects journalism and understands that scrutiny comes with fame, but she drew a clear line at what she views as targeted attacks meant to shame young women for their appearance.
“Don’t, in your headline, slam me at the get-go,” she said. “It’s so wrong and it’s bullying.” She added that such criticism is especially harmful to young stars who are already navigating insecurity and intense public pressure.
In her earlier viral video, Brown expressed frustration with the press treating her as though she must remain a child. “This isn’t journalism. This is bullying,” she said. “I refuse to apologize for growing up.”
Now preparing for the final press tour of Stranger Things 5, Brown said her perspective has shifted even further as she focuses on protecting her newly adopted baby girl with husband Jake Bongiovi.
She told Vogue that safeguarding her daughter’s privacy is paramount. “It’s not my place to put her in the spotlight,” she said. “As her parents, it’s our job to protect her.”
