AceShowbiz - Viola Davis has fired back at those criticizing her portrayal of Michelle Obama on "The First Lady". Having been accused of exaggerating her facial expressions on the show, the actress set aside time to slam the "cruel" trolls.

When speaking to BBC News, the 56-year-old first admitted that it was "incredibly hurtful when people say negative things about [her] work." Though so, she made it clear that "critics absolutely serve no purpose" in her life.

"They always feel like they're telling you something that you don't know," she added. "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."

"How do you move on from the hurt, from failure? But you have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance," she further shared. "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 came under fire following "The First Lady" premiere, "I love Viola Davis but the entire team of people behind all of this should get fired," one person on Twitter argued, while another asked, "Why didn't anybody stop you? Why could they not even give you an actual make up artist? How will you ever face Michelle Obama after this?"

The backlash continued with one person writing, "I'm embarrassed and legitimately surprised that everyone who saw Viola Davis make that face let it stand. Including Viola Davis! Like... Why?" A different user penned, "Viola Davis is one of the best actresses to ever hit the scene but that damn Michelle Obama biopic is a comedy simply because of that face she be making,' read another tweet."

The 10-episode drama is produced for Showtime by Lionsgate Television. The series is created by Aaron Cooley and stars Kiefer Sutherland, Aaron Eckhart, Dakota Fanning as well as Judy Greer.