Millie Bobby Brown is addressing the harsh criticism she’s received regarding her appearance, calling out adult writers for their disturbing focus on her body, face, and choices. The actress expressed her disappointment that some of these negative pieces are even written by women, amplifying the sting of the criticism.

In a raw message shared on Instagram, Millie, now 21, reflected on the scrutiny she has faced throughout her career. She began in the entertainment industry at just 10 years old, and since then, her growth has been in the public eye. However, as she matures, Millie has noticed that many people seem unable to grow with her. Instead, they expect her to remain frozen in time, stuck in the image she had when she first appeared on “Stranger Things” in its first season.

The actress shared her frustration with the media’s portrayal of her changing appearance, highlighting some of the cruel and invasive headlines about her. One article even questioned why someone like Millie, who is part of Generation Z, was “aging so badly,” while another wondered what she had “done to her face.” Another piece even humorously mentioned how Millie was mistaken for someone’s mother while walking through Los Angeles with her younger sister, Ava. These comments came just days after Millie faced online criticism for debuting a new blonde hairstyle at the premiere of her film, The Electric State.

Millie responded to these accusations head-on, explaining her decision to change her look. She revealed that she had gone blonde for the filming of the movie and later returned to her natural brunette hair. However, as the press tour was approaching, she wanted to align her red carpet appearance with her character in the film. She even lightened her hair more than she had for the movie to create that connection.

In addition to her Instagram post, Millie shared an article from British Vogue that highlighted the issue of ageism in the media. The article was titled, “No one cares how old you think Millie Bobby Brown looks.” Underneath it, Millie wrote, “Thank you,” showing her appreciation for the support. In her post, she also reflected on the contradictions that exist in the conversation around women in the public eye. While society often speaks about empowering and uplifting young women, when it comes to celebrities like her, the focus often shifts to tearing them down for clicks and attention.

Millie pointed out that many people struggle with seeing a young girl grow into a woman on her own terms rather than according to society’s expectations. With confidence, she made it clear that she would not apologize for growing up. She firmly stated that she will not be shamed for the way she looks, dresses, or presents herself to the world.

This message from Millie Bobby Brown stands as a powerful reminder of the challenges young women face in the public eye, and her refusal to be silenced or diminished by those who seek to criticize her growth and self-expression.