According to the BG3 art book, they softened Lae'zel's appearance to look more human and make her more appealing.
In other words, much like Karlach, Larian made her look more Caucasian because they view that as the only proper standard of beauty and because they associate not being Caucasian with being an evil, stupid savage (i.e. Lae'zel's entire story arc).
What? Seriously? First off I don't think Lae'zel looks very much "caucasian" at all, probably even more asian if you really want to foce it, but overall, I think she looks first and foremost Githyanki - but if you WANT to find proof for your theories I guess you can find it everywhere.
On topic, I've seen enogh Let's plays where it's pretty obvious players reacted to her rudeness in the very beginning and just left her at camp from then on, instead of even trying to find out more and giving her the chance to warm up (yes, her character change and becoming a great companion depends on at least some interaction and approval). And wasn't it some Dev who said it? If she was male most people wouldn't have any issues with her, in fact her character is almost a stereotype for some grumpy male warriors audiences usually find rather cool and edgy. Astarion for instance is complaining and disapproving so much more than her but gets a pass. So yeah, while not seeing that "racism" argument above at all, I think a little bit of sexism can't be denied when it comes to her.
Personally, she annoyed me for maybe an hour but I kept her in my party, soon she changed to funny, later to warmhearted and BFF - her romance arc is one of the better ones too with some real heartwarming scenes.
