Celebs

Viola Davis Says Critics “Serve No Purpose” In Response To Backlash For Her Michelle Obama Portrayal

Viola Davis isn’t oblivious to the criticism. The award-winning actress broke her silence on the backlash she received following the premiere of The First Lady. Viola portrayed lawyer, author and wife to former President Barack Obama in the ongoing Showtime series. While speaking with BBC News, Viola admitted that it’s “incredibly hurtful when people say negative things” about her work. 

Viola Davis Speaks On Critics: “Absolutely Serve No Purpose”
Still, the actress understands that criticism is a “occupational hazard” of her chosen career. And criticism for Viola centered heavily on her facial expressions, especially the constant pursed lips, in the network series.

But, during her BBC News chat, the 56-year-old shut down the validity of critics–in her eyes.
“Critics absolutely serve no purpose. And I’m not saying that to be nasty either,” Viola said. “They always feel like they’re telling you something that you don’t know. Somehow that you’re living a life that you’re surrounded by people who lie to you and ‘I’m going to be the person that leans in and tells you the truth’. So it gives them an opportunity to be cruel to you.”
Nonetheless, Viola expressed that it’s her “job to make bold choices” as a leader, even if those choices lead to a “win or fail.” Per Viola, it’s her duty to be bold. She also shared that it’s “almost impossible” to portray a familiar person, especially the adored former First Lady.
“Either you’re doing too much or not enough,” Viola said.

While the internet offers their thoughts, Michelle has yet to. Like all the other inquiring minds, Viola also has no idea what Mrs. Obama thinks given that she has no “personal contact” with her.

Regardless of the harsh chatter, the star doesn’t plan to sit in the backlash. Instead, she finds it necessary to keep pushing forward.

“How do you move on from the hurt, from failure?” Viola said. “But you have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance.”

While folks online continue to nitpick her portrayal, Viola is continuing to deliver. Her new memoir Finding Me is hot off the presses. She takes readers from her impoverished and abusive childhood to a Oscar, Emmy and even Tony Award winning force in Hollywood.

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Cassandra S

I like to tell stories, pretend I'm funny and experience everything so I can tell more stories. I love the truth and I'm great at verifying it.