Breaking into the film industry is tough for anyone because of all the pressure and media attention. But being very young can make it even harder. A lot of young stars who started early struggled with how to handle the spotlight, and Millie Bobby Brown was definitely one of them.
As the actress of one of the most-watched series of the generation, she faced intense scrutiny despite it being her first major role. Some of her behavior, including how she interacted with her castmates, drew a lot of negative comments.
Millie Bobby Brown And Her Media Behavior
Although the cast is older now, Stranger Things originally featured child actors. Interviews and promotional events with them were typically more casual and fun, filled with laughter and jokes. However, the situation was different for Millie Bobby Brown.
In the early seasons, the actress didn’t face much public criticism for her behavior. However, as she grew up in the spotlight, the backlash began. Brown became a target of negative comments across various social networks.
Clips from interviews showed her interrupting her castmates and seeming to crave the spotlight. During the series’ press tours, at just 13 years old, she was labeled as idiot, brat, and even stupid. The public was unhappy with what they saw as her “stealing the show.”
In a 2023 interview with Variety, Brown reflected on this challenging period, explaining that her behavior was a result of being a child with no ulterior motives. She noted that she was penalized simply because she was still learning how to handle public situations.
It’s hard to hear that at 13. You’re like, ‘I don’t want to ever talk again. I don’t want to be the loud person…In interviews I couldn’t help but think of all the comments. So I just remembered to stay silent and speak when I was spoken to, even though I was dying to join in. I just felt it wasn’t my turn.
The criticism affected her deeply, and she expressed her frustration by pointing out that she was simply acting her age, which might not have given her the maturity to fully understand her actions.
This is a classic example of how unforgiving the internet can be.
Millie Bobby Brown’s Involvement In Other Scandals
However, this wasn’t the only time her behavior and opinions sparked discussions. Although Stranger Things catapulted her to stardom, both fans and her team have perceived her as seeming ungrateful.
Last year, Brown announced that the series was consuming too much of her time, limiting her ability to pursue other projects, including personal ones. She mentioned that she was ready to move on. Despite Stranger Things approaching its final season, many people involved with the show were disappointed by her comments, (via Daily Mail)
Recently, the actress faced criticism once again for similar reasons as in the past, during an interview on the Table Manners podcast. She mentioned that she has “high standards” for services, and makes a point of leaving written feedback, whether positive or negative. (via Delish)
She even had no issue calling herself a “Karen”.After the podcast aired, listeners left a mix of comments. While some supported her, others criticized her as spoiled, rude, and disrespectful. Nevertheless, despite the backlash, she doesn’t seem to be fazed by this kind of feedback anymore, stating:
Here’s the thing, my whole life is people criticizing me. So I’m going to give it back to you sometimes.
Despite the early criticism she faced, Millie Bobby Brown now appears more mature and self-aware. She stands firm and confident, sticking to her principles and not letting herself be easily rattled.
