Millie Bobby Brown defends Jake Bongiovi after viral parenting backlash: ‘I can do it on my own’

GEORGIA, ATLANTA: Actress Millie Bobby Brown defended husband Jake Bongiovi against online criticism over their parenting roles after viral photos sparked debate. The images showed Brown carrying their daughter’s belongings, prompting scrutiny of the couple’s dynamic.

Brown addressed the backlash during a Thursday, June 11 appearance on the podcast ‘Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce’, where she spoke about how public perception often misreads everyday situations. The couple secretly tied the knot over the weekend of May 18, 2024, later holding a destination wedding in Italy. They welcomed their daughter through adoption in the summer of 2025.

Millie Bobby Brown speaks out after Jake Bongiovi faces online backlash over parenting roles

During the podcast, Brown addressed backlash directed at Bongiovi after photos of the couple went viral in August 2025. The images showed her carrying a car seat and two backpacks, prompting criticism from some observers who questioned why her husband was not carrying more of the family’s belongings.

Photos of Brown and Bongiovi with their daughter, whom they welcomed through adoption in the summer of 2025, also drew comments because she appeared to be pushing the stroller and carrying the baby’s things.

In a clip from the full interview posted on Instagram and TikTok, she questioned the criticism directly, “Hi, I'm Millie Bobbie Brown and I'm not gonna lie, when did women become incapable of holding their own bags, car seats and stuff?” she said.

She explained that people often focus on photographs without understanding the circumstances behind them, “This stems from me holding all of my suitcases and bags and my kid and people are like, Your husband doesn't hold a single thing. And I'm like, Because I'm three miles ahead. I have been planning this all night,” she said.

Millie Bobby Brown challenges double standards around women’s independence

Brown also pointed out what she sees as a contradiction in public attitudes toward women.

“We're all about empowering girls and, You got it and you don't need a man, But then when I'm like, ‘okay, I can carry my own things, people are like, where's your husband?” she said.

Brown added, “I can also do it on my own.”

Millie Bobby Brown praises Jake Bongiovi and reflects on parenthood

While discussing the criticism, Brown also spoke warmly about her husband and the support he provides, emphasizing that public perception based on photos does not reflect reality.

“Nobody knows my husband,” she said adding, “My husband is the most polite, sweet, will-do-anything-for-me. But he also knows I'm capable.”

Podcast host Kylie Kelce expressed support for Brown’s remarks, agreeing with her perspective during the conversation.

Brown and Bongiovi first married in a private ceremony in May 2024 before celebrating again with an Italian destination wedding later that year. The couple later announced the arrival of their daughter through adoption in August 2025, sharing the news in a joint Instagram post that read, “This summer we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption. We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3.”