Jenna Bush Hager is applauding Millie Bobby Brown for the way she has handled the wave of criticism regarding her evolving style.
The 21-year-old actress, best known for her role in Stranger Things,
has recently faced an onslaught of negative comments from so-called fans who disapprove of her latest fashion choices and blonde hair transformation.
Despite the backlash, Brown responded with grace and confidence, making it clear that she would not allow online negativity to define her self-expression.
Following her recent red carpet appearance alongside husband Jake Bongiovi, the young star found herself the target of renewed scrutiny.
In response, she addressed the criticism in a statement shared via her Instagram Story,
followed by a candid three-minute video where she openly discussed the bullying she has endured.
Brown’s response resonated with many, including Today co-host Jenna Bush Hager, who used her platform to defend the actress and call out the culture of online negativity.
During the Tuesday, March 4, episode of Jenna & Friends, Bush Hager passionately addressed the issue, questioning what kind of example society is setting for younger generations. She pointed out that Brown has been an inspiration for many young girls, including her own daughter Mila, who admires her performances in Enola Holmes and other projects.
“What are we teaching our kids?” Bush Hager asked guest co-host Willie Geist. “Because these are the women—Millie Bobby Brown, for instance—Mila loves her from Enola Holmes, from other shows that she’s done for young girls.”
She went on to condemn the culture of anonymous hate that thrives on the internet. “These people sitting in their basements writing these horrible things… she’s right, we’ve become a society where it’s easy to say hateful things. Because you don’t have to say it to someone’s face. You’re in your basement typing mean comments.”
Bush Hager encouraged those engaging in such behavior to reflect on their actions, asking them to consider how they would feel if Brown were their daughter, cousin, or goddaughter. “Would I want strangers to talk about her that way?” she posed.
Geist echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the impact that social media can have on young people, particularly in an era where comparison is rampant. “Because of the world kids live in—with Instagram, especially—they’re constantly comparing themselves to others, from the way they look to the places they go and everything in between.”
Rather than simply condemning negative online behavior, Bush Hager and Geist took the opportunity to share ways in which they strive to instill positive values in their children. They highlighted the importance of emphasizing self-worth beyond physical appearance, teaching kids to focus on qualities such as kindness, intelligence, and perseverance.
“We try to really de-emphasize social media and emphasize the real world,” Geist explained. “My daughter is beautiful, but the things we talk about are the service she does, the sports she plays, the grades she gets, and how she treats her brother, her cousins, and everybody else. That’s who I want her to be. And if she’s beautiful on top of it, which she is, that’s great too.”
Bush Hager agreed, stressing the significance of reinforcing positive behaviors in children. “I think it’s so important just to say things like, ‘Oh my gosh, the way you just treated your little brother made me so proud.’ It’s about the way we talk about our kids.”
Brown’s response to the unwarranted criticism and the support from Bush Hager and others serve as reminders of the need to foster a culture of kindness—both online and in real life. In an era where social media can often be a breeding ground for negativity, the conversation around self-confidence, respect, and encouragement is more vital than ever.
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