Over the past few weeks, several photos of Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bonjovi sparked debate on social media. Many users questioned why Brown often appeared to be carrying bags, luggage, and their daughter’s stroller while Bongiovi walked beside her empty-handed.
The viral discussion quickly turned into criticism of Bongiovi’s role as a husband and father. However, Brown has now addressed the claims herself and explained why the public has misunderstood what was really happening.
Millie Bobby Brown Shuts Down Criticism Of Jake Bongiovi’s Parenting
During Thursday’s episode of Kyle Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, Millie Bobby Brown pushed back against claims that Bongiovi was not doing his part as a husband and father, saying, “Hi, I’m Millie Bobbie Brown, and I’m not gonna lie, when did women become incapable of holding their own bags, car seats, and stuff?”.
Brown explained that the criticism grew after photos showed her carrying luggage and childcare items while moving ahead of her husband. She said people made assumptions without understanding the situation. “This stems from me holding all of my suitcases and bags and my kid and people are like, ‘Your husband doesn’t hold a single thing.’ Because I’m three miles ahead. I have been planning this all night,” she insisted.
The conversation comes after photos of the couple in New York City went viral last month. Some fans claimed they had “never seen [Bongiovi] carry anything,” while others pointed to several public appearances where Brown appeared to be handling most of the bags and childcare responsibilities.
The ‘Stranger Things‘ actor said she found the criticism especially frustrating because it contradicted the message many people promote about female independence. “We’re all about empowering girls and, ‘You got it’ and ‘You don’t need a man.’ But then when I’m like, ‘OK, I can carry my own things,’ people are like, ‘Where’s your husband?’”.
“I can also do it on my own. Nobody knows my husband. My husband is the most polite, sweet, will-do-anything-for-me. But he also knows I’m capable.” Brown also made it clear that she does not need people to assume she requires help. The actress added that she’s “not broken.”
Brown Addressed Backlash Over Her Motherhood Journey
During the same podcast appearance, Brown also spoke about the criticism she has faced for becoming a mother at 21. She revealed that some people questioned her decision, but she made it clear that motherhood has been one of the happiest experiences of her life.
In case you missed it: “If Me Being Blonde Or Wearing More Make-up Really Bothers You…”: Millie Bobby Brown Breaks Silence On Bullying Of Young Actresses
“For everybody who was like, ‘Oh my God, a 21-year-old mom. Oh my gosh, how could she?’ I’m having the most amazing time. My husband and I say this all the time, it’s like going from black and white to color.”
Brown went on to say that motherhood has brought a new sense of joy and fulfillment to her life. She shared that “everything feels complete and perfect in every way,” though she admitted that parenting is also “full of moments” where she does not always know what to do.
The actress also reflected on the responsibility that comes with raising a daughter. Having grown up in the public eye and faced years of scrutiny, Brown said she wants to ensure her child develops confidence and self-worth.
“Raising a daughter coming from my experience having a really public childhood and getting criticized as a girl and as a woman so frequently, I just take it really seriously to raise a girl that can be proud of who they are and be confident.”
Since becoming parents, the couple has deliberately kept their daughter away from public attention and has not revealed her name. Brown previously explained that protecting her daughter’s privacy is a decision she takes very seriously.
You might also like to read: Millie Bobby Brown Shares Dreamy Photos Of Her Wedding With Husband Jake Bongiovi
