Millie Bobby Brown Says She’s a “Target” Amid Pressure on Young Actors

Millie Bobby Brown has opened up about the pressures of growing up in the spotlight, saying that she has become “a target” due to the constant attention on young actors. The “Enola Holmes” and “Stranger Things” star spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced in a recent interview with British Vogue.

Brown reflected on her journey with the cast of Stranger Things, which she joined at age 10. “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 with her fellow young co-stars Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Sadie Sink, and Caleb McLaughlin while reading the script for the show’s final season. “All of us kids… all huddled and cried for five minutes straight,” Brown revealed. Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, also praised the actress, saying, “She’s become an indelible part of the Netflix family.”

In addition to the pressures of working on such a high-profile series, Brown discussed dealing with tabloids and paparazzi. “People can’t seem to grow up with me,” she admitted, adding, “I’m now a target.” Despite the harsh attention, she expressed a sense of resilience. “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,” she said.

Brown has not publicly addressed ongoing rumors regarding a harassment complaint she 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 on the matter. Harbour has also faced personal controversies, including issues involving his ex-wife, singer Lily Allen.

Beyond her professional life, Brown has spoken about the emotional toll of criticism surrounding her appearance.

Earlier this year, she drew attention with a blonde transformation and Y2K-inspired outfits during a red carpet tour for “The Electric State.” While she initially ignored the negative commentary, she now shared how deeply it affected her. “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 said.

The actress admitted that the criticism left her feeling depressed for several days. “I was depressed for three, four days. I was crying every day,” she recalled. Even while traveling to London to present an award to Sabrina Carpenter at the BRIT Awards, the sadness lingered.

Brown’s candid discussion sheds light on the pressures faced by young stars in Hollywood. She emphasized the importance of recognizing how harsh criticism can affect mental health, especially for those just starting in the industry.

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