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Viola Davis’ performance in the starring role of Michelle Obama in Showtime’s limited series The First Lady, has garnered negative feedback regarding the emphasis Davis placed on Obama’s speech pattern.

Since the release of previews to the actual airing of the Michelle Obama centered episode, there has been an onslaught of memes and critiques, especially on Twitter. The Oscar favorite actress is not letting the critics stop her though. In an interview with BBC, Davis shared her thoughts on all the feedback.

“[It’s] incredibly hurtful when people say negative things about your work,” Davis said during the interview. “How do you move on from the hurt, from failure? But you have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance.”

Davis also acknowledged that although harsh, and sometimes cruel criticism is hurtful, it is an “occupational hazard” actors have to deal with in their field of work.

“Critics absolutely serve no purpose. And I’m not saying that to be nasty either,” she continued.

“They always feel like they’re telling you something that you don’t know. Somehow that you’re living a life where 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.”

“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.”

Davis admitted that taking on the role of an iconic figure in a way that satisfied everyone was “almost impossible.”

“Either you’re doing too much or not enough.”