Millie Bobby Brown Faces Serious Backlash for Defending ‘You’ Villain Joe Goldberg

This week, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown took to Instagram to share a… controversial opinion. On an Instagram story that has since gone away (damn you, 24-hour rule), Brown stepped in to defend You villain Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley in a role tailor-made for him), a serial killer and stalker who manipulates practically everyone in his life. According to the 14-year-old actress, Joe’s actions are justified because “he’s in love with” main character Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), and therefore, “it’s okay” that he stalks her and kills people that may get in the way of their relationship. Brown’s take on You was met with immediate backlash from viewers, many of whom felt that the young actress doesn’t understand how abusers operate.

“So I just started that new show You,” Brown said in her Instagram story (you can watch a video below). “He’s not creepy. He’s in love with her, and it’s okay. So I’m obsessed with it, I’m binge-watching it, absolute banger, Netflix.” Brown then recorded another video dismissing concerns about her take on the show. “I know everybody’s going to say, ‘Uh, he’s a stalker, why would you support that?'” she said. “No, like, he’s in love with her. And it’s just like, just watch the show and don’t judge me on my opinion.”

As screen recordings of Brown’s videos surfaced on Twitter, viewers began chiming in to teach the young star about domestic violence and abuse. “That’s not love,” said one user. “Stop romanticizing and normalizing abusive, unhealthy behavior,” added another.

While Brown may be a fan of You‘s Joe, Badgley himself has been outspoken about the more “problematic” aspects of the show. In recent weeks, Badgley has been responding to fans thirsting after Joe to remind them that his character is an. actual. serial. killer. A sampling:

Badgley has yet to respond to Brown’s comments, but let’s hope that he does. Maybe they can have a chat over tea.

Watch You on Netflix