Halle Bailey, the talented young actress who is set to star as Ariel in Disney’s highly anticipated remake of The Little Mermaid, is not shying away from addressing the racist backlash she has faced since the initial casting news was announced. In a recent interview with The Face, Bailey spoke out about the importance of representation, the impact of racism, and how she is inspired by her art.
Racism and Resilience: Halle Bailey Opens Up About Facing Backlash
Halle Bailey addressed the racism she has faced in a new cover story for The Face. She said she is not at all surprised by the racist backlash.
“As a Black person, you just expect it and it’s not really a shock anymore,”
She also pointed out the insidious nature of some trolls who try to disguise their racism as genuine criticism.
“I know people are like, ‘It’s not about race.’ But now that I’m her … People don’t understand that when you’re Black there’s this whole other community. It’s so important for us to see ourselves.”
Halle Bailey acknowledges her mentor, Beyoncé (whom she affectionately calls “B”), for providing her and her sister Chlöe with valuable advice that she still relies on. According to Bailey, when they initially signed with Parkwood, Beyoncé warned them not to read the comments.
“When [Chlöe and I] first signed to Parkwood, B was always like, ‘I never read my comments. Don’t ever read the comments.’
Bailey followed this advice and was overjoyed when the teaser for The Little Mermaid was released at the D23 Expo. She did not encounter any negativity because she avoided reading comments altogether.
Transforming Representation: Halle Bailey on the Experience of Playing Ariel
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the D23 event last year, Halle Bailey expressed that the most enchanting aspect of the experience was the realization that someone like her was given the chance to portray such a legendary character.
Bailey mentioned that the opportunity to represent young Black and brown boys and girls is particularly significant to her because if she had seen someone like her in such a role when she was younger, it would have transformed her entire outlook on life.
“The fact that I get to represent all of these little young Black and brown boys and girls who are to come is really special to me because I know that if I had that when I was younger, it would have changed my whole perspective on life.”
Bailey also shared with the magazine that after the teaser was released, she received an overwhelming number of texts from friends and family sending her reaction videos that had flooded TikTok. These videos featured kids, many of them young Black girls, reacting to the teaser for the first time.
Related: “Grateful…to take the essence of me and mix the two”: The Little Mermaid Star Halle Bailey Made Ariel ‘Better‘ By Changing Ariel’s Signature Fiery Red Hair With Her Locs
Bailey revealed that she spent two nights crying while watching these videos in disbelief, and it made her feel even more grateful for where she is today. She later reflected on how each project she has worked on has transformed her, and she wants to continue to heal through her art.
According to Bailey, every project she has undertaken has taught her something about herself and has given her something to live off.
“I was crying all night for two days, just staring at them in disbelief. It makes me feel more grateful for where I am,”
Halle Bailey is a talented young artist who is using her platform to speak out about the importance of representation and the impact of racism. While facing backlash can be challenging, Bailey is using her art to inspire and heal. With her passion and dedication, she is sure to continue making a positive impact on the entertainment industry and beyond.
The Little Mermaid is set for release on May 26, 2023.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
