Millie Bobby Brown Defends Husband Jake Bongiovi’s Parenting Skills After Viral Photos of Her Carrying a Car Seat and Two Backpacks

**Millie Bobby Brown Defends Husband Amid Criticism Over Parenting Duties**

Millie Bobby Brown, the acclaimed actress known for her role in ‘Stranger Things’, has recently addressed public criticism directed at her husband, Jake Bongiovi, the son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi. In a candid interview on the podcast *Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce*, Brown expressed pride in her independence and called out societal norms that suggest women are incapable of managing their own responsibilities.

In August 2025, photos surfaced online depicting Brown carrying a car seat and various bags while out with Bongiovi and their newly adopted daughter. The images sparked outrage among some social media users, who suggested that Bongiovi should have been more supportive in managing parenting tasks. However, Brown was quick to defend both her husband and her own capabilities during the conversation.

“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 remarked in the interview. This statement highlights a growing frustration among many women regarding outdated gender stereotypes that dictate how parenting roles should be divided.

Brown explained that her willingness to carry her own belongings shouldn’t be interpreted as a lack of support from her partner. She noted, “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.’” Her comments underscore her desire to be seen as capable and competent in her roles as both a mother and a wife.

The actress further emphasised the importance of female empowerment, saying, “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?’” This sentiment resonates with many women who often find themselves challenged when they choose to uphold their independence.

In her praise for Bongiovi, Brown declared, “Nobody knows my husband. My husband is the most polite, sweet, will-do-anything-for-me. But he also knows I’m capable.” This testimony to Bongiovi’s character challenges the narrative that husbands must take on traditional roles within family settings, especially when their partners exhibit strength and independence.

Kylie Kelce, the podcast host and mother of four, echoed Brown’s sentiments, remarking on the importance of women owning their abilities. The two women shared a mutual understanding that modern relationships do not have to conform to traditional expectations.

Brown and Bongiovi’s relationship has flourished over the years, culminating in a quiet marriage in May 2024, followed by a romantic destination wedding in Italy later that year. The couple welcomed their daughter, whom they adopted in the summer of 2025, and shared their joyful news with fans in an emotionally charged Instagram post that read, “This summer we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption. We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3.”

As Millie Bobby Brown continues to advocate for her independence and defend her husband, she sets an example for many young women today, proving that strength and partnership can coexist without adhering to traditional gender roles. Her message resonates widely, reminding parents and caregivers alike that capability comes in many forms and doesn’t conform to any one expectation.