Millie Bobby Brown is done staying quiet.
The Stranger Things star, now 21, has been in the spotlight for nearly a decade — but she’s calling out how the media continues to scrutinize her looks, especially as she’s grown up in front of millions. In a new interview with British Vogue, Millie opened up about the harsh headlines and online comments that follow her, and how she’s learned to handle them.
“I respect journalism. I love reading articles on my favourite people and hearing what they’re up to,” she told the magazine. “I understand that there’s paparazzi, even though it’s invasive, even though it feels like sh-t to me – I know that’s your job… But don’t, in your headline, slam me at the get-go. It is so wrong and it is bullying, especially to young girls who are new to this industry and are already questioning everything about it.”
She’s experienced the criticism firsthand, particularly during her The Electric State press tour, where her 90s-inspired looks sparked headlines dissecting her appearance. Millie recalled breaking down before an event and getting a pep talk from Sabrina Carpenter at the 2025 BRIT Awards.
“I was crying while I was getting my hair and make-up done. I was even welling up when I saw her backstage,” Millie said. “Truly, always, her mentality is very much like ‘F-ck ’em’, which I knew inside of me, but when you hear someone else say it, you’re like, ‘Yes! That’s it!’”
The actress has learned to push back against judgment with strength — not silence. “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,” she added. “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.”
These days, Millie isn’t letting the noise get to her. “If I’m gonna be your punching bag, it’s almost like I’m the right person for it. Because I don’t care anymore.”
Still, her message is clear — criticism has consequences, and growing up under a microscope isn’t easy. At the start of 2025, she reminded followers that “women grow,” and later released a video addressing online and media bullying.
