North West responds to backlash over black grills and says look is temporary: 'Are we okay?'
ETimes | January 31, 2026 1:39 AM CST
North West is pushing back after her latest look set off a wave of online criticism. The 11-year-old daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian drew comments after she showed off black grills, with some people taking aim at her appearance. North responded during a live session and made one thing clear. The grills are temporary and can be removed.
The moment, which aired on January 26 and was later reshared on X, showed North responding in real time. “Why is my teeth black? Are we okay?” she said, pushing back at the comments. She then reassured viewers by adding, “I could take them out.” Her response quickly circulated online, reframing the conversation around personal style and choice rather than shock value.
North West responds to black grills backlash The grills first appeared in December, when North showed off the look on TikTok. The video also featured facial jewelry that was not confirmed to be real piercings. Since then, North’s style choices have continued to draw attention, especially her finger piercings. In September, she stepped out in Rome with Kardashian while wearing them. Earlier this month, she again showed off the accessories, sparking another round of debate.
North has used her own platforms to respond. In a TikTok video last month, she addressed critics directly and wrote, “This is for everyone that’s mad over a finger piercing.” The post sparked a wave of reactions, with some fans cheering her confidence and others repeating their criticism.
Style, music, and family support behind North West’s bold self-expressionNorth has also defended her look through music. In a new song she co-wrote with her father, she leans into the criticism. In ‘Piercing on My Hand (Ye Version),’ shared on her Instagram Stories, she raps, “Piercing on my hand, the other holding bands,” and “No friends, just filter, you wouldn’t understand.”
Kardashian has publicly backed her daughter’s self-expression. On the Khloé in Wonder Land podcast, the SKIMS founder explained why she allows North to experiment with clothing, piercings, fake tattoos, and her signature blue wig. She said her parenting choices focus on letting North explore her identity, even when that exploration plays out under intense public scrutiny.
The moment, which aired on January 26 and was later reshared on X, showed North responding in real time. “Why is my teeth black? Are we okay?” she said, pushing back at the comments. She then reassured viewers by adding, “I could take them out.” Her response quickly circulated online, reframing the conversation around personal style and choice rather than shock value.
North West responds to black grills backlash The grills first appeared in December, when North showed off the look on TikTok. The video also featured facial jewelry that was not confirmed to be real piercings. Since then, North’s style choices have continued to draw attention, especially her finger piercings. In September, she stepped out in Rome with Kardashian while wearing them. Earlier this month, she again showed off the accessories, sparking another round of debate.
North has used her own platforms to respond. In a TikTok video last month, she addressed critics directly and wrote, “This is for everyone that’s mad over a finger piercing.” The post sparked a wave of reactions, with some fans cheering her confidence and others repeating their criticism.
Style, music, and family support behind North West’s bold self-expressionNorth has also defended her look through music. In a new song she co-wrote with her father, she leans into the criticism. In ‘Piercing on My Hand (Ye Version),’ shared on her Instagram Stories, she raps, “Piercing on my hand, the other holding bands,” and “No friends, just filter, you wouldn’t understand.”
Kardashian has publicly backed her daughter’s self-expression. On the Khloé in Wonder Land podcast, the SKIMS founder explained why she allows North to experiment with clothing, piercings, fake tattoos, and her signature blue wig. She said her parenting choices focus on letting North explore her identity, even when that exploration plays out under intense public scrutiny.
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