Millie Bobby Brown slammed recent critiques about her appearance as “bullying,” saying she won’t be “shamed” for how she looks and what she wears.
The Stranger Things star, 21, went makeup free in an Instagram video on Monday, March 3, where she opened by saying, “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. I think it’s necessary to speak up about this.”
“I started in this 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. Instead, 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 continued.
Millie called out several articles about her recent appearances, as well as Little Britain star Matt Lucas. The actress debuted a more mature look over the course of her recent The Electric State promotional tour, which included a blonde makeover.
“This is bullying … it’s disturbing,” she said about the pieces.
“Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs. I refuse to apologize for growing up. I refuse to make myself smaller to fit the unrealistic expectations of people who can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman. I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress or how I present myself,” Millie declared.
“We have become a society where it’s so much easier to criticize than it is to pay a compliment. Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice? If you have a problem with that, I have to wonder — what is it that actually makes you so uncomfortable? 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 concluded.
Millie already noted how upset she was that some fans had been making comments about her appearance. She shared an Instagram Story on February 27, which included an opinion piece by British Vogue writer Morgan Fargo titled, “No One Cares How Old You Think Millie Bobby Brown Looks.” The Damsel actress wrote underneath, “Thank you.”
Celebrities and fans rallied around Millie in the comments.
“Enormously proud of you,” Sarah Jessica Parker wrote, while Bella Thorne left a series of applause emojis.
“You are such a beautiful example of grace and mutuality. Way to stand up for yourself. So proud of you Mills,” actor Aaron Paul commented, while Lauren Sanchez told Millie, “This post is so important, and your words are powerful. You are a light in this world keep shining unapologetically.”
Comedian Matt, 50, took to his Instagram account several hours after Millie’s post to tell her that what he said about her appearance wasn’t meant as criticism and he was “mortified” when it was taken that way.
“Dear Millie, I just saw your post and wanted to respond, and provide some context,” he began. “Nearly 25 years ago I cowrote and appeared in a sketch show called Little Britain. There was a character in it called Vicky Pollard, who had blonde hair and always wore a pink top, and in the photo you had blonde hair and wore a pink top so I pointed out the similarity by posting one of her catchphrases.”
Matt shared a photo of Millie in a pink top with her hair in a blonde updo via X on February 28, writing Vicky’s famous line, “No but yeah but.”
In his apology he added, “I thought you looked terrific, and I was mortified when the press wrote that I ‘slammed’ you, firstly because that’s not my style and secondly because I think you’re brilliant. I would not have posted it if I had thought it would have upset you, but I realize it has and for that I apologize. Matt x.”
