Millie Bobby Brown admits it was 'scary' to slam critics for bullying her over appearance
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Millie Bobby Brown reflected on the "scary" but empowering decision to post a video calling out media stories about her looks.
"I'm happy that people were able to resonate with the video," the 21-year-old actress said during a March 11 appearance on the 'Today' show.
Millie Bobby Brown opens up on why she decided to speak up
On the 'Today' show, Millie Bobby Brown told host Savannah Guthrie, "It’s not just for people in the industry, it’s for young girls all over the world who feel like they are targeted or harassed at times for the way they look or the way they present themselves."
Brown admitted she initially hesitated to speak out, fearing backlash.
However, she ultimately felt there was no "right time" and chose to address the issue head-on.
"I realized that if I’m not going to say it ... and I’m never going to find a good time to say it, then why wait and just do it now?" she said.
After posting the clip, Brown stepped away from the online reaction. "I kind of shut my phone off after because I was a little overwhelmed," she revealed.
"But again, I’m so happy people were able to feel like they connected with the video," she added.
Despite the initial fear of speaking out, Brown is glad she took a stand.
"Yeah, it was a scary thing to do. I didn’t know how people were going to react, so it’s nice to see that reaction," she said.
Millie Bobby Brown's viral Instagram video response
On March 3, Millie Bobby Brown shared a makeup-free Instagram video addressing a wave of articles critiquing her appearance.
She spoke candidly about growing up in the public eye and how some people expect her to remain unchanged.
View this post on Instagram
“I started in this industry when I was 10 years old,” she said, adding, “I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow up with me.”
She added, “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.”
Matt Lucas responds to controversy
One headline Millie Bobby Brown called out was a Daily Mail article claiming comedian Matt Lucas had taken a "savage swipe" at her.
Lucas had posted a photo of Brown after 'The Electric State' premiere with the caption “no but yeah but,” referencing his Little Britain character Vicky Pollard.
After Brown’s video, Lucas publicly apologized, stating he was “mortified” that his comment had been misinterpreted.
"Dear Millie, I just saw your post and wanted to respond and provide some context," he wrote.
Lucas explained that his comment was meant as a lighthearted reference to his past character, not an insult.
“I thought you looked terrific, and I was mortified when the press wrote that I ‘slammed’ you,” he continued.
“That’s not my style … 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 apologize,” Lucas added, according to People.
