Viola Davis has been going viral all over social media for her less than stellar portrayal of the former First Lady, Michelle Obama, in the new TV drama series The First Lady.
Viola is now speaking out about her lackluster performance.
In a new interview with the BBC, Viola admitted that her performance could have been better – but she lashed out against her critics on social media, Media Take Out confirmed.
Viola told the interviewer that while she acknowledged that criticism is an “occupational hazard” of acting, it is “incredibly hurtful when people say negative things about your work.”
“How do you move on from the hurt, from failure?” the 56-year-old asked. “You have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance.”
According to Viola, she didn’t need critics to tell her that her portrayal of Michelle wasn’t good.
The 56 year old actress explained, “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.”
“But ultimately I feel like it is my job as a leader to make bold choices. Win or fail it is my duty to do that.”
Viola also told the interviewer that she has no idea what Michelle thought of her portrayal. “I don’t have any personal contact with Michelle Obama,” she said.
Media Take Out spoke with a person close to the former First Lady who told us that she was extremely unimpressed with Viola’s portrayal of her.
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