Millie Bobby Brown has grown up in front of the world, and instead of celebrating her evolution, the media has made her a target. Recently, the Stranger Things star took to Instagram to call out the disturbing way she’s been scrutinized for her appearance, from her hair to her clothing choices, to the simple fact that she no longer looks like the child we first met on screen. In a heartfelt and powerful message, she reminded us all that this isn’t journalism—it’s bullying. And unfortunately, it’s a cycle we’ve seen before, time and time again
The world is quick to put young female celebrities on a pedestal, praising them for their talent and charm, only to tear them down the moment they grow up, evolve, or express autonomy over their own identities. We saw it with Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and countless others who were once America’s sweethearts, only to be vilified the second they no longer fit the mold the media created for them. The pattern is exhausting, and it needs to stop.
At 21, Millie Bobby Brown is stepping into her own power, embracing who she is outside of the child star image the world has clung to. And yet, rather than allowing her that space, the media has chosen to dissect her every move, as if growing up is some sort of crime.
But here’s the reality: Women—especially young women in the spotlight—should be allowed to evolve without scrutiny. They should be able to change their hair, their fashion choices, their entire essence, if they so choose, without becoming the subject of invasive headlines.
Millie’s response to the press was more than just a personal statement—it was a call for change. The way we discuss and critique women in the media needs a serious shift. Instead of headlines tearing down their appearances, imagine a world where the media amplifies their voices, their work, and their achievements. Imagine a world where we don’t repeat the same mistakes of the past—where we uplift instead of attack.
Millie Bobby Brown won’t be the last young woman to face this kind of scrutiny, but hopefully, she’ll be one of the last who has to call it out so blatantly. The real question is: When will we finally learn?
It’s time to do better.
