Millie Bobby Brown calls out recent criticism of her appearance: 'People can't seem to grow up with me'

Millie Bobby Brown condemned the recent tabloid headlines surrounding her appearance, calling out particular journalists by name for "dissecting my face, my body" and "my choices."

The 21-year-old actress, who rose to prominence at just 12 years old for her role as Eleven/Jane Hopper on the hit sci-fi series Stranger Things, addressed the public scrutiny surrounding her appearance during the press tour for her new movie, The Electric State. In a defiant video shared on Instagram, Brown said, "This isn’t journalism. This is bullying."

Related: Stranger Things 5 creators liken final season to '8 blockbuster movies,' tease franchise future

"I think it’s necessary to speak up about this," said Brown. "I started in this industry when I was 10 years old. I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow up with me. Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things season 1, and because I don’t, I’m now a target."

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Brown slammed the headlines from "people who are so desperate to tear young women down," including one inquiring about what she had "done to her face" and another from English comedian Matt Lucas taking a "savage swipe" at her new "mommy makeover." Condemning the reporter for "amplifying an insult rather than questioning why a grown man is mocking a young woman’s appearance," Brown called it "disturbing" that "adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices."

"We always talk about supporting and uplifting young women, but when the time comes, it seems easier to tear them down for clicks," added Brown. "Disillusioned people can’t handle seeing a girl become a woman on her terms, not theirs. I refuse to apologize for growing up . . . I will not be shamed for how I look, how I dress, or how I present myself." She concluded with a call to "do better" — "not just for me, but for every young girl who deserves to grow up without fear of being torn apart for simply existing."

Related: Stranger Things stars share tributes as series wraps filming: 'Nowhere near ready to leave you guys'

Lucas, for his part, caught wind of Brown's statement and issued an apology, stating that he was "mortified" and that his comments might have been taken out of context. "I think you're brilliant. I would not have posted it if I had thought it would have upset you but I realise it has and for that I apologise," wrote Lucas on social media.

Brown has long been vocal about how young women are treated in Hollywood, having previously spoken out against being sexualized at a young age by grown men and how it has "resulted in pain and insecurity." Her Stranger Things costar Finn Wolfhard has also called out harassment from grown fans of the show.

The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is slated to arrive on Netflix later this year.

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