“Little Mermaid” Star Halle Bailey Reveals How She Faced Racism Over Disney Role

Bailey also spoke about how important representation is for young girls of color.

Halle Bailey attends Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event Presented by Facebook Gaming on August 11, 2022, in Hollywood, California. Credit: Getty Images
Halle Bailey attends Variety Power of Young Hollywood Event Presented by Facebook Gaming on August 11, 2022, in Hollywood, California. Credit: Getty Images

Actor and singer Halle Bailey is speaking out after facing racist comments when news broke that she would star as Ariel in the upcoming live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.” While many rejoiced over the casting news, some said they would not support the film and spoke out against the decision online with the hashtag #NotMyAriel.

In an interview with Variety, Bailey revealed how she dealt with the racist attacks, leaning on the support of her grandparents. “It was an inspiring and beautiful thing to hear their words of encouragement, telling me, ‘You don't understand what this is doing for us, for our community, for all the little Black and brown girls who are going to see themselves in you,’” said Bailey.

Bailey also spoke about how important representation is for young girls of color. “I want the little girl in me and the little girls just like me who are watching to know that they’re special, and that they should be a princess in every single way. There’s no reason that they shouldn’t be,” Bailey told the publication. “That reassurance was something that I needed.”