Coco Gauff is clapping back at her haters.
The tennis star was ridiculed recently for wearing her natural hair in a photoshoot for Miu Miu, an Italian luxury fashion brand.
In the photos, Gauff posed next to one of Miu Miu’s bags as tennis balls spilled out of it to display how much the bag can hold.
However, some people weren’t focused on the product; they instead honed in on Gauff’s appearance, particularly her hair.
After a hiatus from social media, Gauff posted an eight-minute video on TikTok on Thursday to respond to her critics.
“There are thousands of people talking about the way that I look,” Gauff said. “and not in a positive way.
“I’m not gonna apologize for the way that my hair looks because there are other girls who had the exact same hair as me, and I just wanted them to feel represented that your hair is literally fine the way it is,” she added.
Gauff divulged some behind-the-scenes information from the venture, saying it wasn’t a “full production shoot” and that it only involved her and her “social person.”
Her outfit — a red polo shirt, blue skirt and black shoes — was one she picked out from some options Miu Miu proposed.
Gauff also said she did her everyday hair and makeup for the shoot because the bag is being promoted as something people can use everyday.
She also didn’t want to do a slickback because it’s “not good for her hair.”
Despite all the criticism, Gauff has used it to provide a positive message for those going through similar things.
“To all the young black girls out there, do what you want to do with your hair,” she said. “People who hate on your appearance have something deeply insecure about themselves.
“Do what you want to do. Minimal is beautiful.”
Many of the comments on Gauff’s video praised her for speaking out.
“WON’T & DON’T have to apologize for a damn thing! You’re so beautiful inside & out! Keep shining superstar,” one user wrote.
“You are gorgeous!! No matter what anyone says!!!” another added.
Gauff is ranked third in the world behind Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina.
She’s won two Grand Slam singles titles at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, and one doubles title at the 2024 French Open.
Her most recent match came at the Miami Open, where she lost to Sabalenka on March 28.
Despite her success on the court, Gauff’s most recent headlines have come off of it. But it’s clear her message is working.
