Millie Bobby Brown has once again weighed in on the tabloid scrutiny surrounding her appearance, which she initially addressed back in March on her IG. In an interview with British Vogue, she spoke out against the headlines from major outlets for slamming young actors over their appearance and physique, deeming them bullying.
If me being blonde or wearing more make-up really bothers you, I’m going to address it – not just for myself, but for every other girl who wants to try a new hairstyle or wear a red lip. It’s, like, get off my f-cking case, you know? I am 21. I am going to have fun and play and be myself.
Brown’s remarks were prompted by outlets that took a dig at her transition into adulthood with provocative titles that read “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly?” and “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?”. These headlines unsurprisingly took a toll on the actor’s self-esteem, who was left depressed for days following the scrutiny.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Comments Signal a Deeper Underlying Issue in Media
Certain media outlets tend to be ruthless when it comes to young women, even though their personal choices over their own bodies should be of no concern to the public. Unfortunately, this trend isn’t new, as young actors, especially child actors, face intense scrutiny during their transition to adulthood.
Their natural growth and personal changes, as a result, are torn apart, which unsurprisingly leaves a lasting impact on young celebs, who aren’t accustomed to dealing with media scrutiny. It happened with Emma Watson, it happened with Miley Cyrus when she opted to break away from her Disney image, and it’s now happening with Brown because the Stranger Things star decided to live her life on her terms.
Although many celebrities tend to ignore the noise altogether, Brown is rightfully calling out this harmful media practice due to its impact on young women’s self-esteem.
We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks. Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs.
I refuse to apologize 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.
This isn’t the only subject why Brown is making rounds online, as her apparent beef with David Harbour has also garnered a lot of attention.
Inside Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour’s Feud
With the final season of Stranger Things around the corner, the focus has now shifted from Harbour and Brown’s onscreen bond to their apparent off-screen struggles. While Harbour previously expressed that the duo share a special bond, claiming he always felt a fatherly affection for Brown, the Mail on Sunday claimed the Enola Holmes star filed a bullying and harassment case against her co-star (via That Scene With Dan Patrick).
Furthermore, it’s alleged that an investigation materialized as a result, and Brown was reportedly accompanied by a personal representative for season 5’s shooting. Netflix, however, has remained tight-lipped over the allegations.
However, it’s also important to note that both Harbour and Brown still follow each other on IG, and there were no mentions of any s-xual misconduct on Harbour’s part. Until something official comes our way, it’d be premature to jump to a conclusion as of yet.
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Stranger Things Season 5 Part 1 drops on November 26, 2025, with Part 2 following on Christmas Day 2025 and Part 3 on New Year’s Eve 2025.
