Millie Bobby Brown responds to criticism over her changing accent

Millie Bobby Brown has addressed the backlash regarding her shifting accents during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast. The Stranger Things star referred to the criticism as "accent-gate," expressing her frustration over the intense scrutiny she received.

She remarked, “That was such a huge thing for a minute... it was everywhere. Everyone was talking about my accent, and they had a real problem with it. I was like, ‘Guys, I’m married to an American.’” Brown, who married Jake Bongiovi in May 2024, emphasized that her personal life influences her speech patterns, highlighting how her environment can affect her accent.

Her comments reflect a broader conversation about the complexities of identity and language, particularly for those in the public eye.

Brown elaborated on her changing accents, explaining that her surroundings significantly influence how she speaks. She noted that when she's with her husband Jake Bongiovi's family, who all have American accents, she naturally slips into an American accent herself. “When I’m around his family, I immediately go into, like, an American accent. But then I was just in England, and the second I hear my mom and dad’s accent, I just go right back,” she shared.

She compared this fluidity in her accents to the process of acting, emphasizing that it’s part of her craft. “You want me to play these characters, but you expect me not to morph into people. What I hear is what I do. It’s all part of it,” she explained. This perspective highlights how her identity and experiences shape her speech, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and accent.

Brown has previously addressed the criticism regarding her changing accent in various interviews, emphasizing her identity as an actor. In a conversation with internet personality Max Balegde, she stated, “I’m an actor. I grew up in the public eye. I grew up in America. I come to set, and I’m an actor and I adapt, and so I want to mimic other people!”

After her accent variations were noted during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she explained, “I can’t help that when I’m around my fiancé, or when I’m with people like Jimmy Fallon, who have a very American accent, I wanna replicate it!” Brown expressed that her accent shifts aren't intentional and apologized to anyone offended, saying, “I’m trying my best!”