Coco Gauff Defends Natural Hair in Miu Miu Shoot Criticism

Coco Gauff has publicly replied to online criticism after a Miu Miu Vivant bag shoot.

She posted photos from the session on April 2 and shared a behind-the-scenes video on April 9.

The 22-year-old, a two-time Grand Slam champion and world number three, said the shoot was filmed in her parents’ backyard.

She added that Miu Miu has co-designed several of her tennis kits in recent years.

Her decision to wear natural hair matched the brand’s minimal direction.

The Miu Miu shoot was simple by design.

The look and reaction

Gauff presented her 4C hair naturally to fit the label’s everyday aesthetic.

Some online commenters called the style “unkempt” and compared it to civil-rights-era looks.

She wore a similar style under a baseball cap during last month’s Miami Open final.

In response, she defended her choices and pushed back against the criticism.

Her message to young Black girls

Gauff told young Black girls with kinky hair to do what they want with their hair.

She stressed that Black hair texture is beautiful and deserving of respect.

On hair health and sport

She said slicking hair back too tightly causes damage.

As an athlete she often chooses buns and lets her 4C hair be.

Athletes and hair care demands

A report in The Athletic last fall noted how elaborate styles need long appointments.

Players like Manchester City’s Khiara Keating and Tottenham’s Jessica Naz said those schedules can clash with training.

Gauff encouraged people to choose freely among straightening, perms, afros, braids, and cornrows.

She said some may slick hair back or wear it in a bun, whichever suits them.

She acknowledged the comments briefly hurt but said she recovered quickly.

She declared that Black women and kinky, Afro hair texture are beautiful.

On-court form and the upcoming clay swing

Gauff is world number three and preparing for a key stretch of 2026.

She reached finals at Madrid, Rome and Roland-Garros last year.

She won Roland-Garros over world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

The clay swing begins with the Madrid Open on April 20 in the Spanish capital.

Miu Miu’s Vivant bag shoot sits alongside her ongoing tennis commitments.

Filmogaz.com will follow her season and public responses.

The conversation highlights hair, sport and representation.