At the London premiere of Stranger Things Season 5 on November 13, Millie Bobby Brown experienced a tense interaction with a photographer. While posing for pictures, a photographer called out to her, urging, “Smile!” In response, the 21-year-old actress retorted, “Smile? You Smile!” pointing at the photographer before turning away.
The incident quickly became a talking point on social media. One critic on X, formerly known as Twitter, remarked, “Millie got mad at the photographers and left the carpet .. ok Chappell Roan,” referencing the singer known for similar red carpet tensions. However, others defended Brown, noting her recent life changes. “She’s a young mum who had no idea how hard getting married and adopting a baby would be. Give her some grace y’all,” one supporter wrote.
The Actress’s Personal Journey
Millie Bobby Brown, who first captured audiences at age 12 with the debut of Stranger Things in 2016, has undergone significant personal changes. In May 2024, she married Jake Bongiovi, 23, and the couple adopted a daughter over the summer. These life events have added layers to her public persona, influencing how fans and critics perceive her actions.
The London premiere followed a similar event in Los Angeles on November 6, where Brown appeared alongside her Stranger Things co-star, David Harbour. The two were seen laughing and posing together, seemingly addressing rumors of tension between them. Reports had surfaced suggesting Brown accused Harbour of harassment and bullying on set, but their public display suggested otherwise.
Addressing Rumors and Relationships
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Brown expressed her affection for Harbour, describing their on-screen relationship as a father-daughter bond. “I’ve obviously had a really special bond with David because we have a father and daughter relationship, and we do every scene together,” she said. “You really get to see that in Season 5.”
Harbour, absent from the London premiere, previously shared his feelings about Brown during a 2021 episode of the That Scene with Dan Patrick podcast. “Millie and I have always had sort of a special relationship because I knew her when she was so young. I knew her before any of this big fame hit… I have a real protective feeling for her… I’ve just always felt this kind of deep fatherly affection for her,” he said.
The End of an Era
The London premiere marks a significant moment as Stranger Things approaches its conclusion after a decade. Brown shared with Variety her emotional response to the series ending, stating, “I bawled more than I expected on my final day of filming.” She acknowledged that while she was ready for the show to conclude both personally and professionally, the finality hit harder than anticipated.
The series finale is set to air later this month, closing a chapter that has been pivotal in Brown’s career. As fans and critics alike reflect on her journey, the recent red carpet incident serves as a reminder of the pressures faced by young stars navigating personal and professional challenges in the public eye.
As the curtain falls on Stranger Things, the spotlight remains on Brown, not just for her role in the show, but for her evolving life story that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
