Millie Bobby Brown has pushed back against online criticism targeting her husband Jake Bongiovi's parenting, after photos of the actress carrying a car seat and two backpacks sparked backlash in August 2025. The Stranger Things star addressed the controversy directly during an appearance on the podcast Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce.

What Sparked the Controversy

The criticism began when paparazzi images circulated showing Brown managing luggage, a car seat, and her baby's belongings, while Bongiovi appeared to be walking without carrying anything. A separate set of photos also drew scrutiny for showing Brown seemingly pushing their daughter's stroller unaided. The couple welcomed their daughter via adoption in the summer of 2025.

What Millie Bobby Brown Said

In a clip from her podcast interview — later shared on Instagram and TikTok — Brown addressed the commentary head-on. 'Hi, I'm Millie Bobby Brown and I'm not gonna lie, when did women become incapable of holding their own bags, car seats and stuff?' she said.

She explained the context behind the images: '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.’ And I’m like, ‘Because I’m three miles ahead. I have been planning this all night.’'

Brown also pointed out what she described as a contradiction in public expectations: '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?”'

Brown's Defence of Her Husband

The actress was unequivocal in her support for Bongiovi, describing him as 'the most polite, sweet, will-do-anything-for-me' partner. 'But he also knows I’m capable,' she added, according to reports. Her remarks drew an enthusiastic response from host Kylie Kelce, a mother of four who said she loved Brown’s statement 'so much.'

Brown responded: 'I thought you would because you strike me as the same kind of person,' with both agreeing that they are not 'broken.'

The Couple's Background

Brown and Bongiovi, son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, quietly married in May 2024 before exchanging vows again at an Italian destination wedding five months later. They announced the arrival of their daughter in August 2025. The viral photos and subsequent debate surfaced in the same month.

The Broader Debate

The episode reflects a recurring tension in public discourse around celebrity parenting — where women are simultaneously celebrated for independence and criticised when their partners appear less visibly involved. Brown’s response reframes the narrative, arguing that autonomy and a supportive partner are not mutually exclusive. It remains to be seen whether her remarks will shift the online conversation.