Millie Bobby Brown stands up to bullies targeting her looks: 'I will not be shamed for how I look'

Public figures tend to live under an increased amount of scrutiny. More often than not, people judge everything from their appearance to their life choices. So, British actress Millie Bobby Brown, popularly known for playing "Eleven" in the American television series "Stranger Things," recently took to Instagram to address the criticism she has received from several journalists about her appearance. Brown, who goes by @milliebobbybrown on the platform, pointed out how the articles about her appearance weren't "journalism" but "bullying."

"I want to take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me, something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny," Brown began in a video. She shared that she has been in the industry since she was 10 years old and has grown up in the public eye. "For some reason, people can’t seem to grow up with me," the "Enola Holmes" actress expressed. That is why she felt it was necessary for her to speak up about what was being written. "They act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time. Like I should still look the way I did on 'Stranger Things, Season 1.' And because I don’t, I’m now a target." She went on to point out several articles and their writers who were "desperate to tear young women down."

Brown read out some recent headlines and their authors to make her point. These include: "Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown aging so badly?" by Lydia Hawken; "What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face"  by John Ely; "Millie Bobby Brown mistaken for someone’s mom as she guides younger sister Ava through LA" by Cassie Carpenter; and "Little Britain’s Matt Lucas takes savage swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s new 'mommy makeover' look" written by Bethan Edwards.

She remarked, "This isn’t journalism. This is bullying." The actress highlighted how adults spending time dissecting her appearance and choices was "disturbing." Brown continued, "The fact that some of these articles are written by women? Even worse. We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks."

Brown felt that "disillusioned" people couldn't handle the fact that she was becoming a woman on her own terms. "Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs. I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself. We have become a society where it’s so much easier to criticize than it is to pay a compliment," she said.

The video concluded with Brown stating: "Let’s do better. Not just for me, but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without the fear of being torn apart for simply existing." People took to the comments section of the video to applaud the actress for standing up for herself.

@mckennagraceful wrote, "No young woman or person deserves to feel pressure or cruelty for simply existing. You are so well-spoken and so beautiful. Very well said. Thank you for making this video." @prattprattpratt commented, "Glad to see you standing up for yourself. Some of these journalists are sad and lonely folks. We’ll pray for them. You look great! And more importantly, you have a beautiful heart." @juleshough remarked, "Thank you for your courage to stand in your power- your light and leading my example of what 'growing up' actually looks like. Your maturity and grace are undeniable in how you addressed this. Adore you, Millie."

You can follow Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebobbybrown) on Instagram for more updates.