Millie Bobby Brown Defends Jake Bongiovi Against Criticism Over Parenting Duties

Millie Bobby Brown has always been vocal about setting the record straight, especially regarding her family. The ‘Stranger Things’ star has been navigating the challenges of new parenthood in the public eye while balancing a career that includes acting, producing, and a global fanbase that closely follows her every move.

Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi, son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, welcomed a daughter through adoption in the summer of 2025. The couple, who tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Italy in September 2024, described their experience as “endless joy.” Brown shared with British Vogue that their days are filled with cuddles, laughter, and love, and she praised Bongiovi as “the most amazing dad,” highlighting their equal partnership in household responsibilities.

However, this idyllic family image faced scrutiny online. A video featuring Millie, Jake, and her longtime friend Noah Schnapp navigating a crowd of photographers went viral, with viewers criticizing Jake for not doing enough while Millie managed their daughter and her belongings.

Images of the couple out with their daughter in New York fueled a narrative of “useless husband,” with some commenters suggesting that Brown was “carrying the entire family.” The backlash became so pronounced that it could not be overlooked.

During a June 10 appearance on Kylie Kelce’s ‘Not Gonna Lie’ podcast, Brown addressed the criticism head-on, countering the notion that Jake’s relaxed demeanor during outings indicated laziness or indifference. She posed a thought-provoking question: “When did women become incapable of holding their own bags, car seats and stuff?” She clarified that the situations depicted were the result of her own meticulous planning, not a lack of involvement from Jake.

Brown emphasized that the viral images of her juggling luggage, bags, and her child were a reflection of her organized nature rather than an indication of an unbalanced relationship. She pointed out the irony in a culture that promotes female independence yet criticizes a husband for allowing his wife to take charge.

Some parents online came to Bongiovi’s defense, with one mother mentioning that she preferred to push her own stroller and appreciated having her husband’s hands free for unexpected moments. This perspective aligns with Brown’s own description, suggesting that the outrage may stem more from societal assumptions about gender roles than the actual dynamics of their family.

Brown has made it clear that she plans to raise her daughter on her own terms, away from the noise of social media. The couple resides in Georgia, and Brown has expressed her enjoyment of farm life while largely disconnecting from online platforms.

Having been in the public eye since she was twelve, Brown’s choice to keep her family life private seems to reflect wisdom gained through experience. Whether the internet is prepared to extend grace to her marriage remains to be seen, so feel free to share your thoughts on whether the criticism of Jake was justified or if Brown was right to respond.