Halle Bailey Breaks Her Silence On 'Little Mermaid' Racist Casting Backlash

8 August 2019, 11:56

The 19-year-old R&B singer was announced as the lead role of Ariel in the upcoming Disney remake last month. However, the news was met with criticism online.

Halle Bailey has spoken out after her casting as Ariel in the new 'Little Mermaid' remake drew criticism from some fans of the original.

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

The 19-year-old R&B singer, one half of the sister duo Chloe x Halle, was trolled online after people took issue with a black actress playing the role of the fictional character.

Users expressed their anger with #NotMyAriel on Twitter, fighting against Bailey's casting by arguing that Ariel should have the well-known red hair and pale skin she sports in the cartoon.

The majority celebrated Halle's casting, however, and now the starlet has addressed the backlash by admitting she's turning a blind eye to the naysayers.

"I feel like I'm dreaming, and I'm just grateful." Bailey explained to Variety at the outlet’s Power of Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles on Tuesday (6th August.)

"And I don't pay attention to the negativity. I just feel like this role is something bigger than me, and greater, and it's going to be beautiful. I'm just so excited to be a part of it," she added.

Support for the young actress also came in from Academy Award winner Halle Berry, whom many confused with Bailey online after the announcement was made.

Bailey revealed she was thrilled to receive support from the iconic actress, saying, "Of course, yeah. I've always loved Halle Berry. She's a beautiful person inside and out."

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