Millie Bobby Brown: “I Respect the Press, But Please Stop Criticizing My Body”

Actress Millie Bobby Brown opened up to British Vogue about the painful experience she faced in March, when she publicly called out The Daily Mail and other outlets for bullying her with cruel, body-shaming headlines during the promotion of her new Netflix film The Electric State.

The Stranger Things star confessed that she cried every day after reading comments like:

“Oh my God, what has she done to her face?”
“Why did she go blonde?”
“She looks 60!”

“I respect journalism,” she said. “I love reading articles about people I admire and hearing what they’re doing. I understand that paparazzi exist — even though it’s invasive and upsetting — but I know that’s part of the job. What’s not okay is attacking me right in the headline. That’s bullying, especially for young women in this industry who are still figuring themselves out.”

At the time, outlets ran headlines such as “Why Are Gen Z Stars Like Millie Bobby Brown Aging So Fast?” and “What Has Millie Done to Her Face?” — coverage that left the 21-year-old deeply depressed for several days.

Brown admitted she even broke down in tears backstage at the BRIT Awards before going onstage to present an award to Sabrina Carpenter.

“If my blonde hair or red lipstick really bothers you that much,” she said firmly, “then let me be clear — I’m saying this not just for myself, but for all young women. We just want to try new hairstyles, wear makeup, and have fun. I’m 21. I’m going to live my life — and be myself.”