Black-ish star Marsai Martin responds to trolls who criticised her hair and teeth

'Good thing I don’t put my effort into trying to please everyone'

Black-ish star Marsai Martin has addressed criticism about her appearance during the BET awards with a sarcastic Instagram video, in which she apologised to those she “offended” before blowing her nose in a $100 bill.

On Sunday, the 15-year-old actress presented the award for best female hip-hop artist to Megan Thee Stallion during the 2020 BET Awards.

Following the virtual awards ceremony, Martin responded to trolls who criticised her teeth and hair in an Instagram video.

In the video, Martin appears to be holding back tears as she explained: “So, I was on Twitter, and a lot of people have been addressing my hair and talking about my hair, and how it looks like a ‘grandma’s wig.’

“And they’re talking about my veneers,” she added, while pulling out her invisible braces. “These don't look like a veneer to me.

“I’m sorry to anyone that I offended or haven’t gotten to your expectations about how I’m supposed to be, and I apologise, and I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings or have anyone worried about what my decisions are,” the Little actress continued.

After appearing to break down and cry, Martin grabbed a $100 bill and loudly blew her nose in it, before turning to the camera with a straight face and telling viewers: “Y'all we’re in quarantine, and we’ve got more things to focus on than just my hair. Justice for Breonna Taylor.”

The 15-year-old was referring to the fatal shooting of Taylor on 13 March 2020 by three Louisville, Kentucky police officers.

On Twitter, Martin also addressed the criticism about her appearance, writing: “Sorry some of y’all don’t like my hair. Or teeth... which are my actual teeth btw. Good thing I don’t put my effort into trying to please everyone. I like it. Chile I’m 16 this year, let me live. I’m trying to stay sane in quarantine. Enjoy the BET Awards.”

The teenager’s handling of the negativity prompted praise from numerous celebrities, including Yara Shahidi and Michael B Jordan, who responded with laughing emojis.

During the awards show, Martin, who became the youngest executive movie producer in Hollywood history at age 14 with the comedy Little, won the Young Stars award.