Halle Bailey's Casting As Ariel In Little Mermaid Met With 'Racist' Backlash Online

4 July 2019, 13:22 | Updated: 1 November 2024, 16:50

Halle Bailey's casting as Ariel was met with criticism from some Disney fans. Picture: Getty/Disney

The Chloe X Halle singer was announced as the lead for Disney's live action remake of 'The Little Mermaid' this week. However, the news has been met with criticism and a #NotMyAriel trend.

This week, singer Halle Bailey was announced as the lead role of Ariel in the upcoming Disney live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid'.

The 19-year-old, best known for performing alongside her sister Chloe in their R&B duo Chloe X Halle, has acted previously in popular sitcom Grown-ish.

"In case you needed a reminder... Halles get it DONE," wrote Halle's Twitter account. "Congratulations @chloexhalle on this amazing opportunity, we can’t wait to see what you do!"

dream come true... 🧜🏽‍♀️🌊 pic.twitter.com/sndjYUS6wO
— chloe x halle (@chloexhalle) July 3, 2019

"dream come true," was also posted from the duo's account alongside a picture of Halle as Ariel.

The groundbreaking casting announcement lead to hoards of congratulatory messages from celebrities and Disney fans alike, including actress Zendaya who was previously tipped for the role.

However, despite the positive response, others were quick to criticise Disney on their choice of casting, with many arguing that Ariel should have the well-known red hair and pale skin she sports in the cartoon.

The hashtag #NotMyAriel even began circulating on social media as users fought against Bailey's casting.

my childhood ruined #NotMyAriel pic.twitter.com/coUnmQqnF9
— billie ♡ (@billievanderpol) July 4, 2019

@Disney I'm sorry but being a little girl with red hair Ariel was character I looked up to when I was growing up. Very upset by the choice for the remake. I will not be going to see it, you've ruined it for me. #notmyariel #childhoodmemoriesruined #longliveredheads #LittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/mlCwWIFoKi
— Courtney Moss (@ShortNoze) July 3, 2019

And just like that @ Disney ruined the live action little mermaid. Fuck Disney #notmyariel
— Mike and Elio (@MikeandElio) July 3, 2019

While many users were accused of racism, others responded by arguing that they were simply upset that the iconic Disney princess wouldn't look like she did in their favourite childhood film.

"Ariel is a damn mermaid why the f*ck does it matter if she’s black and tiana being white is f*cking b*llshit especially with her story and background, just say you’re racist and go," wrote one.

Another fired back, "I am not racist. Ariel should have red hair and pale skin and it’s fine that she won’t bc Halle will do an amazing job, but it will not feel like a live remake of the animated movie."

White people complaining they cast a black girl as Ariel: Disney created 49 films from 1937-2009 before delivering their first black princess with Tiana. Black girls watched an entire catalog NEVER seeing themselves. For 70 years.

You spoiled, racist brats.
— Hillary Monahan (@HillaryMonahan) July 3, 2019

"iM nOt rAcIsT bUt tHe LiTtLe mErMaID nEeDs tO bE wHiTe"

Spare me the nonsense that Ariel NEEDS to be white, she is a MYTHOLIGIAL SEA CREATURE.
— Skyler Shuler (@Skylerhxc) July 1, 2019

This has nothing to do with race, this has everything to do with her not looking anything like Ariel. If you truly are anti racist you shouldn't support black people being forcibly put into places and should pressure disney to make another black princess ✌🏾.#NotMyAriel
— RED LOCKS AND THICK SOCKS (@Cola_Red_Hair) July 4, 2019

I guess we non-black people can’t say anything about the casting because whatever we say, we are just some racist people. I just want the movie to be like the one I watched when I was a kid. Is that too much to ask? #notmyariel
— EvanMcSwag (@evanmcswag992) July 4, 2019

Both Disney and Bailey are yet to speak out on the responses.