When Millie Bobby Brown skyrocketed to fame as a ‘Stranger Things’ phenomenon, she was just a young pre-teen! As the years rolled on, the talented actress has embraced various looks, including a striking transformation from her natural dark brown hair to stunning blonde locks. This past week, the 21-year-old showcased her lighter hair during a promotional tour for an upcoming Netflix film. While her ’90s blowout hairstyle garnered attention, it also received mixed reactions from fans and critics alike on social media, according to reports from CNN. Now, Millie Bobby Brown is bravely addressing the harsh criticism and calling for more compassion towards aging child stars!

Millie Bobby Brown Addresses Public Criticism of Her Appearance

Millie took to Instagram to confront the wave of negative comments directed at her appearance, sharing her thoughts in a candid video on Monday (March 3). In the caption accompanying her video, she articulated that this issue extends beyond her personal experience and “affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny.” For Millie, speaking out about these challenges was not just important, but essential for the well-being of many young women facing similar pressures.

“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,” Millie Bobby Brown said.

The ‘Stranger Things’ star didn’t stop there! She went on to criticize the “articles, the headlines, and individuals who seem desperate to tear young women down.” Millie read some of the headlines aloud, directly calling out the publications and authors responsible for the hurtful comments.

“This isn’t journalism. This is bullying. The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing. 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,” Millie added passionately.

Millie Bobby Brown Urges Media to Foster Kindness and Understanding

Millie implied that there are “disillusioned people” attempting to hinder a young girl who is bravely becoming a woman “on her own terms.”

“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. We have become a society where it’s so much easier to criticize than it is to pay a compliment,”

As she continued her heartfelt message, Millie called on everyone to step up and 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 emphasized with determination.

The Journey of Millie Bobby Brown: Transitioning from Child Star to Young Adult

Millie has evidently been striving to evolve and grow beyond her iconic childhood roles. She embarked on her acting journey at the tender age of 10 and quickly became recognized for her role as Eleven in the groundbreaking series, Stranger Things. The show captivated audiences and was renewed for four successful seasons, with the fifth season anticipated to debut this year. Millie Bobby Brown has certainly matured alongside the series! However, the 21-year-old has expressed her desire to distance herself from the series. In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily in August 2023, she revealed that she felt “ready” for the show to conclude.

“I think I’m ready. It’s been such a huge factor in part of my life, but it’s like graduating high school, it’s like senior year,” Millie Bobby Brown stated at the time. “You’re ready to go and blossom and flourish, and you’re grateful for the time you’ve had, but it’s time to create your own message and live your own life.”

A few months prior to her WWD interview, Millie Bobby Brown made a significant decision at the age of 19. She became engaged to Jake Bongiovi, and the couple tied the knot a year later, in May 2024. Their wedding was a low-key yet beautiful ceremony held in Italy—fun fact: Matthew ‘Papa’ Modine officiated her wedding.

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