Millie Bobby Brown is pushing back against online critics who questioned her husband Jake Bongiovi's involvement after paparazzi photos showed the actress handling luggage and a baby stroller without his assistance.

The 22-year-old "Stranger Things" star addressed the social media backlash during a recent appearance on the "Not Gonna Lie" podcast hosted by Kylie Kelce. Brown did not hold back when discussing the criticism directed at her 24-year-old husband.

"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 on the podcast. "I can also do it on my own."

The controversy erupted after photographers captured the couple navigating Manhattan streets with Brown managing suitcases and a stroller while Bongiovi walked alongside. Online commentators quickly criticized the son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi for appearing not to help his wife with the heavy loads.

Brown dismissed the backlash as ridiculous, explaining that her proactive nature often puts her ahead of the situation. "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 said.

The young actress pointed out what she sees as a contradiction in how society views women's capabilities. "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 insisted that the public does not truly know Bongiovi, describing him as the "most polite, sweet, will-do-anything-for-me" partner. She emphasized that her husband respects her independence while remaining supportive. "But he also knows I'm capable and not broken," she added.

The couple first went public with their relationship in 2021 and have since built a life together away from the Hollywood spotlight. They originally tied the knot in an intimate private ceremony in May 2024 before hosting a second celebration in Tuscany, Italy, officiated by her "Stranger Things" co-star Matthew Modine.

Fans were surprised when the couple announced they had adopted a baby daughter. They shared the news through a joint Instagram post that read, "And then there were 3. We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy."

Brown also addressed the criticism she faced for becoming a mother at 21. She called out what she described as "vicious and angry" trolls who questioned her life choices and readiness for parenthood.

"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," she shared. "My husband and I say this all the time; it's like going from black and white to color."

The actress has spent years combatting online bullying, having faced inappropriate comments about her appearance and personal life since childhood. She has previously spoken about how the relentless criticism caused her deep "pain and insecurity."

Standing her ground against online haters has become second nature for the Hollywood starlet. She previously used her Instagram Stories to hit back at critics and media outlets for dissecting her life, fiercely declaring, "The fact that adult writers are spending their time dissecting my face, my body, my choices is disturbing."

Brown has shown no hesitation in defending her loved ones and refusing to let anonymous trolls dictate her choices or her marriage. The resilient star continues to prioritize her family's privacy while maintaining a firm stance against public scrutiny.

The "Enola Holmes" actress remains focused on her growing family and career, seemingly unbothered by the constant public attention that comes with fame. Her message to critics remains clear: she is capable, independent, and will not tolerate judgment about her parenting or her partnership.

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