Stranger Things Star Millie Bobby Brown Opens Up About Harassment She’s Faced Since Adulthood

Millie Bobby Brown, the young superstar best known for her role as Eleven on Netflix’s iconic series Stranger Things, has bravely spoken out about the intense online bullying she’s endured since gaining global fame at just 12 years old. The now-21-year-old actress has shared her struggles with the pressures of stardom and the toll it’s taken on her mental health over the years.

Cara Buono, Brown’s co-star and Karen Wheeler’s portrayer in the series, recently expressed her concern for the young actress during an interview with the Daily Mail on November 28. Buono described the harassment Brown faced as both “outrageous and disgusting,” highlighting the relentless scrutiny the Stranger Things child stars—now adults—have endured throughout their careers.

“The bullying Millie faced as a child is unjustifiable,” Buono stated firmly. “She was just a kid, and no one deserves that kind of treatment.”

Buono, who has worked alongside actors Natalia Dyer, Finn Wolfhard, and others, revealed that she took a protective role for the young cast members, becoming a sort of “de-facto mum” especially during intense filming periods in Atlanta, Georgia.

“It’s heartbreaking to see innocent kids subjected to such cruelty on such a large scale.”

The actress also touched on the recent wave of criticism aimed at Brown, who recently married musician Jake Bongiovi and adopted a child together. Critics have scrutinized the couple’s parenting choices, age difference, and fashion decisions, prompting Buono to defend her co-star: “Millie is incredibly mature beyond her years and has always approached her career with dedication. She deserves respect.”

Brown has previously called out the media for their hostile coverage, emphasizing that the constant focus on her appearance and personal life constitutes bullying rather than legitimate journalism.

In the wake of Buono’s comments, fans have taken to social media to express their support for Brown and condemn the relentless cyberbullying she’s experienced since her rise to fame.

Social media user @Heather_fkx45 tweeted:
“@Milliebbrown deserves so much better. It’s time we end the toxic culture of tearing down young stars just trying to do their jobs.”

Despite the challenges, Brown remains resilient, focusing on her recent ventures, including the conclusion of Stranger Things with its fifth season, her modeling work, and her new role as a mother.

As fans continue to rally around the actress, the conversation has shifted towards how the entertainment industry can better protect young stars from the dangers of online harassment and public scrutiny.

For Millie Bobby Brown and many child stars who grow up in the limelight, the road to adulthood is fraught with unique challenges. But as Cara Buono so aptly put, “We’re all rooting for these kids to grow into their best selves—and that includes giving them space to just be human, to make mistakes, and to find their way.”