Millie Bobby Brown Responds to Comments That New Look ‘Ages’ Her
Readers may or may not remember the string of “journalism” from a few years ago in which newswriters, radio hosts, and popular online commenters “counted down” until female celebrities such as Emma Watson turned 18. This crass and, as Medium described it five years ago, “dangerous” trend showed an unhealthy public obsession with the age of women in the public eye.
But those days are over, right?
Unfortunately not. This malicious contradiction between being “old enough” and still young-looking has recently pinpointed film and television star, Millie Bobby Brown. In contrast to Emma Watson, however, Millie Bobby Brown—who has grown up in the public eye since starring in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things at the age of 12—was the victim of criticism which attacked her for ageing. Headlines across multiple well-known outlets called her new blonde style a “mom” look and questioned why she is “ageing so badly”. Brown’s new blonde look is part of the current press tour for her new film, The Electric State, but commentary on the film certainly took a backseat when journalists chose to dial in on Brown’s appearance.
In an instagram video in which she responded to these comments, Millie used an interesting tactic; she called out the names of the journalists who had written about her. She listed recent headlines, which included: Why are Gen Zers like Millie Bobby Brown ageing so badly? by Lydia Hawken., What has Millie Bobby Brown done to her face? by John Ely, and Millie Bobby Brown mistaken for someone’s mom as she guides younger sister Ava through LA by Cassie Carpenter. By publicly naming the authors who wrote them, she effectively stripped back the anonymity that often comes with online bullying. While the naming didn’t extend to the many commenters and online posters who echoed the same sentiments, it sends the message that online criticism of young women’s bodies will no longer exist under the radar.
Brown continues by examining the gendered nature of the comments aimed at her. She addresses a comment from British celebrity Matt Lucas, which was then echoed in many headlines, including Little Britain’s Matt Lucas takes savage swipe at Millie Bobby Brown’s new “mommy makeover” look by Bethan Edwards. She points out that comments from grown men such as this are repeated in headlines worldwide simply to increase views, without any regard to the people themselves. Why, she asks, aren’t the men themselves being questioned for making these comments? Well, Millie Bobby Brown has an answer.
Because “this isn’t journalism. This is bullying”.
Millie Bobby Brown doesn’t only identify the men making and echoing these comments, however. Later in her Instagram video, she takes the time to consider the gap between idealistic feminism and what is actually being enacted in the press today. She discusses female journalists amplifying these critical messages about another woman’s body, saying: “We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks.”
And the video has certainly struck a chord.
At the time of writing, the post has 5.2 million likes and has inspired multiple other celebrities to come out in support of Brown’s message. Matthew Modine—Brown’s Stranger Things co-star and officiant at her wedding to Jake Bongiovi—commented: “Yes. Good for you! Brava.”
Additionally, Hollywood actress, and no stranger to being a woman in the public eye, Sharon Stone, responded with: “Beautifully said[.] Thx it really doesn’t matter our age or stature, we must be willing to own ourselves fully not fall to the false ideology of tear down media. Good job my friend.” Chris Pratt, who co-stars in The Electric State with Millie Bobby Brown, also commented: “Glad to see you standing up for yourself. Some of these journalists are sad and lonely folks. We’ll pray for em. You look great!! And more importantly you have a beautiful heart.”
But what does this mean for the future of celebrity journalism?
Though the comments about her body show a dark side to the scrutiny young women face every day, Millie Bobby Brown’s outlook serves as a light at the end of the tunnel. She implores journalists, and those who read them, to “do better.” Film and television star Cary Elwes stated in his comment on the video: “Thank you for always speaking up and being such a great role model to so many young women including our daughter since she was little.” Comments such as this, from celebrities and fans alike, highlight how women in the public eye speaking out against such “tear-down” media can have a huge impact. And, as Brown herself states, we have an obligation to do better not just for ourselves but “for every young girl who deserves to grow up without fear of being torn apart for simply existing.”
So, even as Millie Bobby Brown’s headlines shift at lightspeed to new tattoos, film reviews, and name changes, we’d do well to remember that obligation, too.
References:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwZgLXSJuH/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again
