Millie Bobby Brown Reveals How Fame Has Made Her a “Target” for Harassment

Millie Bobby Brown has opened up about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, saying that she has become “a target” due to the pressures faced by young actors. The “Stranger Things” and “Enola Holmes” star spoke candidly in a recent interview with British Vogue, reflecting on both her career and personal experiences with fame.

Brown joined Stranger Things at age 10 and has spent much of her childhood working alongside her co-stars. “I was 10 when I started, so this is like a family to me; not just the cast, not just the crew, but the entity of Stranger Things,” she said.

She recalled an emotional moment while reading the script for the show’s final season, noting that she and her fellow young cast members Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Sadie Sink, and Caleb McLaughlin “all huddled and cried for five minutes straight.”

Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria praised Brown’s influence on the series, saying, “She’s become an indelible part of the Netflix family.”

Beyond her work on set, Brown discussed the intense scrutiny she faces from tabloids and paparazzi. “People can’t seem to grow up with me,” she admitted, adding, “I’m now a target.” She also expressed resilience against criticism, saying, “If I’m gonna be your punching bag, it’s almost like I’m the right person for it. Because I don’t care anymore.”

Although Brown addressed the pressures from the media, she has not publicly commented on rumors about a harassment complaint reportedly filed against her Stranger Things co-star David Harbour.

Netflix, Harbour, Brown, and the show’s creators, the Duffer Brothers, have all declined to comment. Harbour has faced personal controversies as well, including issues with his ex-wife, singer Lily Allen.

Brown also reflected on criticism of her appearance. Earlier this year, she debuted a blonde makeover and Y2K-inspired outfits while promoting the movie “The Electric State.” Some outlets criticized her looks, suggesting she appeared older than her age. Brown said the backlash took an emotional toll. “It is so wrong and it is bullying, especially to young girls who are new to this industry and are already questioning everything about it,” she explained.

The actress admitted that the negative coverage left her feeling depressed. “I was depressed for three, four days. I was crying every day,” she shared. Even during her trip to London to present an award at the BRIT Awards, the sadness lingered.

Brown’s honesty highlights the immense pressures that young actors face in the entertainment industry. She emphasized the importance of recognizing how harsh criticism can affect mental health, particularly for those growing up in the public eye.

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