Millie Bobby Brown, the star of "Stranger Things," has recently taken a stand against media outlets that she accuses of bullying her over her appearance. In a heartfelt Instagram video, the 21-year-old actress criticized journalists for their incessant scrutiny, stating, "this isn't journalism, this is bullying." Brown highlighted specific articles that dissect her looks during her promotional press tour for her latest film, The Electric State, which fueled discussions about how young women are portrayed in the media.

During her video, she expressed her frustration about growing up in front of the public eye, remarking, “I started in the industry when I was 10 years old. I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me.” Brown also pointed out that the media's fixation on her aging has created a deleterious atmosphere of judgment where she feels like a "target" for negative commentary.

She specifically called out the Daily Mail for its sensationalist headlines, such as “Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?” and “What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face?” These articles not only reflect societal pressures but also reveal a disturbing trend of young women in the spotlight being subjected to bullying over their appearance.

In her passionate address, Millie stressed the disturbing nature of adult writers dissecting her body and choices, stating that it is especially disconcerting when other women participate in this type of media coverage. "The fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse,” she asserted. Many fans and fellow actors, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Mckenna Grace, have publicly supported her, applauding her courage to speak up.

Brown's experience is not unique; it mirrors the struggles faced by many former child stars like Demi Lovato and Britney Spears, who have encountered relentless media scrutiny throughout their careers. This ongoing shaming culture underscores the importance of promoting body positivity and respect for women growing up in the spotlight.

The relentless focus on a young woman’s appearance serves as a reminder that many are still subjected to harmful narratives that devalue their humanity. Millie concluded her video with a call to action, urging people to reflect on the impact of their words, “Let’s do better. Not just for me, but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without fear of being torn apart for simply existing.” She makes a powerful statement that could resonate deeply in an era where the treatment of female celebrities continues to provoke necessary conversations about gender and media.

For further information, read the full articles on BBC, HuffPost, and LA Times.