Marsai Martin Wants You to Stop Asking About Her Hair and Start Asking for Justice for Breonna Taylor

The Little actress asked fans on her social media to not forget what’s really important right now: Fighting for racial justice. 

Saying that 2020 has been a tumultuous year is an understatement. We are not only still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but also Black Lives Matter protesters have been marching for racial justice since George Floyd’s death in late May. However, this week, Marsai Martin appeared on Instagram to address fans’ complaints about something else entirely: Her hair during the virtual BET Awards.

“A lot of people have been addressing my hair, or talking about my hair, and how it looks like a grandma’s wig,” Martin shared, teary-eyed. “I’m sorry to anyone that I offended or haven’t gotten to your expectations of how I’m supposed to be.”

Martin speaks to the camera, her voice breaking. Appearing to be overcome with emotions, she waves for a tissue. Instead, she gets a $100 bill and blows her nose with it. Clearly putting on a performance, Martin drops the act and addresses the camera directly in a serious tone.

“Y’all, we’re in quarantine, and we got more things to focus on than my hair,” Martin said. “Justice for Breonna Taylor.”

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 #BETAwards 😉

— Marsai Martin (@marsaimartin) June 29, 2020

Breonna Taylor was a 26-year-old Black woman killed in her own home by law enforcement in Louisville, KY. Her name has been one of the many shouted by protesters, as people call for the arrest of the police officers involved in her death.

Martin herself has used her social media to fight for Black Lives Matter by re-tweeting resources, sharing petitions, and demanding justice for the ones killed by police brutality, such as Taylor. This week’s video wasn’t a stand-alone case: It was one of her many efforts to remind her fans of what really matters right now.

“All of it feels like the same horror film being replayed on a loop but swapping out the lead actors. This is the version with George Floyd. Last week’s versions starred Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. How do we change the ending?” Martin wrote in an Instagram post. “My heart breaks, and tears fall out of frustration. I am too young to vote, but not too young to use my platform and my voice.”

You can watch Martin’s full clip on Instagram. Don’t forget that you also have a part in fighting for Black Lives Matter: Click here to find ways that you can help get justice for Breonna Taylor.