Millie Bobby Brown, 21, confronted a photographer at the Stranger Things Season 5 London premiere on November 13, 2025, after being told to smile for the camera. She responded sharply: “Smile? You smile!” before walking away from the red carpet at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. The exchange went viral on social media, with supporters highlighting the pressures young mothers and public figures face during media events.[1][2][3][4][5]
Brown wore a striking black and gray strapless corset gown by Ashi Studio with sheer black panels, paired with black tights and stilettos. The incident reflects broader conversations about respectful photography and media behavior on red carpets worldwide.[6][7][8]
Red Carpet Incident and Public Response
Brown’s response came during standard red carpet photography. The photographer’s instruction occurred without context or awareness of Brown’s personal circumstances as a new mother. Her direct response was captured by multiple outlets and shared widely within hours.[9][10][11][12]
Incident Details and Context
The exchange represents a moment of workplace assertiveness from Brown, who has previously addressed media criticism. Earlier in 2025, during The Electric State press tour, she stated: “Don’t slam me at the get-go. It is so wrong and it is bullying, especially to young girls”. This pattern demonstrates her willingness to push back against perceived disrespect.[13]
Social Media Reception and Support
Online responses highlighted the broader context of red carpet pressure. Supporters noted the unfairness of demanding smiles from professionals under media scrutiny. The incident sparked conversations about photographer conduct and professional boundaries.[14][15][16]
Allegations and Cast Dynamics
Reports in early November 2025 suggested Brown had filed harassment allegations against co-star David Harbour before filming began. No official confirmation exists from Netflix, Brown, or Harbour. The allegations reportedly included bullying claims but not sexual misconduct.[17][18][19]
Verification Status of Allegations
| Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial reporting | Daily Mail (November 1, 2025)[20] |
| Official response | None from Netflix or either party[21] |
| Investigation duration | Reportedly months (anonymous source)[22] |
| Nature of claims | Harassment and bullying, not sexual misconduct[23] |
However, at the Los Angeles premiere on November 6, Brown and Harbour appeared together, laughing and posing for photographs, contradicting tension narratives. Harbour’s absence from the London premiere was reportedly due to filming commitments on the project Evil Genius in New Jersey.[24][25]
Stranger Things Season 5 Final Chapter
Stranger Things Season 5 concludes a nine-year cultural phenomenon that premiered on July 15, 2016, when Brown was 12 years old. The series finale releases in three volumes:[26]
- Volume 1 (Episodes 1-4): November 26, 2025[27]
- Volume 2 (Episodes 5-7): December 25, 2025[28]
- Series finale (Episode 8): December 31, 2025[29]
Brown’s Emotional Reflection on the Series Ending
Brown told Variety: “I bawled more than I expected. The finality was so real”. The cast’s final table read was emotional, with Noah Schnapp and Finn Wolfhard crying within 20 minutes of starting. The moment created a lasting impression on everyone present.[30][31][32]
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Motherhood and Family Priorities
Brown and husband Jake Bongiovi, son of Jon Bon Jovi, adopted a daughter in summer 2025 and announced it on August 21. At the Los Angeles premiere on November 6, Brown revealed that co-star Noah Schnapp, 21, is her daughter’s godfather.[33][34]
In a British Vogue interview, Brown emphasized privacy: “It’s really important to protect her story until she’s old enough to decide for herself”. The family’s protective approach reflects Brown’s own experience growing up in the public eye.[35][36]
