Millie Bobby Brown is not just Eleven anymore. The “Stranger Things” star has grown up on the small screen, but some people online are struggling to keep up.
Recently, she shared a series of mirror selfies on Instagram, flaunting her style and confidence with her signature flair. However, the post did not just showcase her chic Louis Vuitton x Murakami tote. It also sparked a storm of online comments, with netizens accusing her of looking “way older” than her actual age.
This is not the first time Millie has faced this kind of scrutiny. From her debut as a child star to her current success as an actress, author, and entrepreneur, she has been a lightning rod for age and appearance critiques.
Why Netizens Think Millie Bobby Brown Looks ‘Way Older’
It all started with her latest Instagram post. At 20 years old, Millie Bobby Brown is far from the pre-teen we first met on “Stranger Things.” Yet, for some reason, her mirror selfies ignited a frenzy of age-shaming comments. Critics claimed she looked “65 at 16,” skipping her 20s altogether, while others speculated wildly about plastic surgery or even pregnancy.
Brown / IG / Netizens ‘troll’ the appearance of Bobby Brown - saying she looks way older than she actually is.
However, this pattern of nitpicking is not new for Brown. Ever since her rise to fame, she has had to endure relentless commentary on her looks, whether it is her makeup choices, wardrobe, or how she carries herself.
Her latest response, shared via Instagram Stories, was simple yet powerful: “Women grow!! Not sorry about it :).”
Growing Up in the Spotlight Is a Double-Edged Sword
Millie Bobby Brown has spent nearly half her life in the public eye. She shot to fame at just 12 years old with “Stranger Things” and has not looked back. But fame, as glamorous as it seems, comes with a dark side - especially for young stars.
For Millie, growing up meant learning to navigate Hollywood while dodging unsolicited opinions on her appearance.
Before “Stranger Things,” Millie had smaller roles in shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “NCIS.” Even then, she experienced the sting of cyberbullying. But once her career skyrocketed, the criticism became relentless. At just 16, she took a stand, calling out the harsh realities of being judged while still figuring out who she was.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, she highlighted the intense scrutiny she faced, including invasive comments and paparazzi harassment.
Bobby Is Facing the Challenges of Maturing in the Digital Age
Brown / IG / In a 2022 interview with Allure, Millie opened up about how confusing it was to grow up under such intense pressure.
Turning 18 was a pivotal moment for Millie Bobby Brown - but not entirely in a good way. While adulthood often symbolizes freedom and self-discovery, for Millie, it marked an influx of invasive and “gross” commentary. Suddenly, every outfit, every red carpet appearance, and even her body became fair game for public discussion.
“It is really hard to be hated on when you don’t know who you are yet,” she shared. The constant barrage of negativity made her question herself. This left her wondering who she was supposed to be to satisfy her critics. This struggle is something many young people can relate to. But for Millie, it was amplified by her celebrity status.
Why Society Struggles with Growing-Up Celebrities?
There is something about watching a child star grow up that seems to unsettle people. Millie Bobby Brown’s transition from the shy, shaved-head girl on “Stranger Things” to a confident, accomplished woman has been met with admiration - and criticism.
Part of the issue lies in societal expectations. People want celebrities to stay frozen in time, especially those they associate with innocence or youth.
