Millie Bobby Brown addresses Appearance Criticism: “I’m Disgusted”

Millie Bobby Brown,the 21-year-old actress known for her roles in “Stranger Things” and “Enola Holmes,” is speaking out against the intense scrutiny she and other young women face regarding their appearances. Brown describes herself as “disgusted” by the constant remarks and unrealistic expectations placed upon them.

Battling Unrealistic Expectations

Earlier this month, Brown addressed what she called “bullying” comments and media outlets “dissecting my face, my body, my choices” as they expect her too be “frozen in time” as a child actor. This pressure, she argues, is detrimental and sets an unfeasible standard for young women in the industry.

Podcast Revelation: Addressing Age and Accent

In a recent appearance on the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Brown elaborated on the criticisms she faces, particularly concerning her age and changing accent. She noted that “the press love to go in on me sometimes with certain things,” particularly as she grows older and her accent evolves due to living in the United States.

Brown directly addressed the comments about her appearance, stating: “A thing that I get a lot is like, ‘Oh my God, she looks like 40′. And I’m like, you did meet me when I was 10, so I understand. Now I’m 21,it’s been 10 years. She grows. My face, like, grew. What do you want me to do about that?”

She added, “I don’t want that for anybody growing up in the industry, but it really actually doesn’t bother me.” However, she acknowledged that it wasn’t always the case. “I wish I could be like, ‘you know what, it does get to me’. It used to get to me, it did… It got to me, and I remember trying to change myself to please the masses.”

Embracing Change and Rejecting criticism

Brown now embraces her evolving identity. “And actually, now, I’m in a place where, yeah, my accent does change. My face does grow. I do wear a lot of make-up. It’s just the kind of person I am, I like that… you’re not going to tell me how to be a girl.”

Call for Change in Media Scrutiny

Brown emphasized the broader issue of unfair treatment towards women in the industry. She firmly stated, “it should never be OK, I feel like, when stuff comes out about me, or about other women, other young girls in the industry, I’m disgusted, like I can’t believe it still happens.”

She expressed her desire for a more supportive and understanding surroundings, saying, “if I had a genie wish, I really would wish that no one ever had to go thru that kind of scrutiny as it changes the kind of person you are, it changes the way you perceive the world.”

She elaborated on the negative impact of constant judgment: “You see the bad in everyone, you don’t see the good.You’re like, ‘What are your intentions, what are you going to say about me?’”

Brown concluded with a call for improved journalistic ethics and empathy: “And I think the press need to be taught manners again, I think they need to go back to school and learn how to speak to people, be kind and just understand that we’re all growing people, we all make mistakes, and ultimately, the standards and… stigmas against girls, it’s ridiculous, especially, I feel, in Hollywood.”

Matt Lucas’s Apology

Earlier this month, comedian Matt Lucas apologized to Brown for a social media post referencing her appearance.Lucas wrote, “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 apologise.”

Refusal to Apologize for Growing Up

Brown has been clear about her refusal to conform to unrealistic expectations. She previously stated: “Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs. I refuse to apologise 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.”

Recent Projects

Brown, who married Jake bongiovi last year, is currently promoting her new Netflix film, “The Electric state,” co-starring Chris Pratt. She also recently completed filming the fifth and final season of “Stranger Things,” where she has played the iconic character Eleven since 2016. Additionally, she starred as Enola Holmes, Sherlock Holmes’s sister, in the 2020 Netflix film and its 2022 sequel.

Moving Forward

Millie Bobby Brown’s candid remarks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by young women in the entertainment industry. Her courage in speaking out is a powerful reminder of the need for greater kindness,understanding,and respect.It’s crucial to support young actors as they navigate their personal growth under the public eye. Share this article to spark a conversation about the pressures faced by young celebrities and advocate for a more supportive environment. How can we collectively contribute to fostering a culture of acceptance and respect in Hollywood and beyond?

How does Dr. Vance suggest that society can begin to foster a culture of acceptance and respect when it comes to the treatment of young women in the public eye?

“I’m Disgusted”: Industry Expert Discusses Millie Bobby Brown Appearance Criticism

The intense media scrutiny of young actors, especially women, is once again under the spotlight following Millie Bobby Brown’s candid remarks. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a noted cultural anthropologist specializing in the impact of media on youth identity, joins Archyde today to offer her insights.

Understanding the Pressure: An Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance

Archyde: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. Millie Bobby Brown recently expressed her disgust at the constant criticism of her appearance.As an expert in this area,what’s your initial reaction to her statements?

Dr. Vance: My first reaction is empathy. What Ms. Brown articulated reflects a deeply ingrained societal problem. The media, and afterward the public, subject young women, especially those in the public eye, to impossibly high and constantly shifting beauty standards. It’s a form of systemic pressure that is, frankly, dehumanizing. This relentless focus on physical appearance stifles their personal and professional development.

The “Frozen in Time” Expectation

Archyde: Brown specifically mentioned the expectation to be “frozen in time” and the scrutiny surrounding her changing appearance with age. why is this so prevalent, particularly for child actors?

Dr. Vance: There’s a peculiar phenomenon were audiences develop a possessive relationship with child actors. they become symbols of a specific era or memory. As they naturally age, this disrupts the idealized image. Moreover, society is frequently enough uncomfortable with young women embracing their sexuality and agency. The critique is a way of attempting to retain control over a narrative that is no longer theirs to dictate.

the Podcast Revelation and Evolving Identity

Archyde: Brown discussed how she initially felt pressured to change herself to please others but now embraces her evolving identity, including her changing accent and makeup choices. Is this a common journey for young women in the public sphere?

Dr. Vance: Absolutely. Many young women, not just celebrities, grapple with this pressure. Social media often amplifies it,creating echo chambers of unrealistic expectations. It takes immense strength and self-awareness to reject these pressures and define oneself on one’s own terms.Brown’s journey, even though public, resonates with the struggles many young peopel face, which is why it garners so much attention.

Call for Change: Media Ethics and Empathy

Archyde: brown called for improved journalistic ethics and empathy, suggesting the press needs to be re-taught “manners.” Is this a realistic expectation in today’s media landscape?

Dr. Vance: It’s certainly a necessary one. While sensationalist reporting often attracts clicks and views, the long-term damage it inflicts on individuals – and on the broader culture – is undeniable. A shift towards responsible reporting requires media outlets to prioritize ethical considerations over short-term gains. This includes avoiding body shaming, respecting privacy, and focusing on achievements rather than solely on physical attributes. There are some positive and conscious changes happening, but there is still far to go.

The Broader Impact: Beyond Hollywood

Archyde: Brown emphasized that the unfair treatment of young women in the industry is not okay and wishes no one had to go through that kind of scrutiny. What is the larger impact of this type of commentary and what can we do to begin to foster a culture of acceptance and respect?

dr.Vance: The consistent shaming and scrutiny perpetuates harmful stereotypes and unattainable standards. It instills insecurity in young people and fosters a culture of hyper-criticism about appearance. It also narrows the definition for what we celebrate as women. We, as a society, can start by being more conscious of our own language and how we discuss women, both public and private.By modelling those expectations and calling out harmful comments when we see them through social media,comments,or in our daily conversations,this can create a much different environment. We need to place less emphasis on physical appearance and more on achievements and individual value. By elevating this and other conversations of kindness,we foster healthy environments across the globe.

Archyde: A final thought from you, what long lasting impact do you see on young people that grow in the spotlight?

Dr. Vance: The long-term impact can be notable. These individuals may struggle with body image issues, anxiety, and depression. They may develop trust issues and have difficulty forming healthy relationships. The constant judgment can lead to a distorted sense of self and a pervasive feeling of inadequacy. It’s crucial to offer young actors support systems, including mental health resources and mentorship programs, to help them navigate the challenges of fame. It is indeed never too late for support!

Archyde: Dr. Vance, thank you for sharing your valuable insights. And to our readers, what are your thoughts on the media’s treatment of young female actors? Share your comments below.