Halle Bailey on ‘Little Mermaid’ Backlash

It’s been a few years since Halle Bailey dove into the role of Ariel in Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid,’ but the actress is now reflecting on the significant backlash she faced following the casting announcement. Despite the negativity, Bailey describes the experience as ultimately ‘beautiful’ and a powerful learning opportunity.

Navigating the Noise

When Bailey, a Black actress with vibrant red locs, was chosen to play the iconic mermaid princess, some ‘fans’ expressed disappointment, primarily due to racial bias. However, many others celebrated the groundbreaking representation. Bailey shared with The Independent that the experience taught her a valuable lesson: “I feel like it taught me to listen to myself and the good voices inside… I learned how to block out the noise.”

Currently promoting her new film, ‘You, Me and Tuscany,’ where she stars opposite Regé-Jean Page, Bailey discussed how she coped with the intense public scrutiny. She viewed the situation as an experiment, finding freedom in observing the polarized reactions. “I felt like I was watching myself inside a cup, seeing how people react to it,” she explained.

A Protective Bubble of Support

Crucially, Bailey didn’t face the storm alone. She received immense support from fellow actresses, creating what she calls a ‘little protective bubble.’ This included encouragement from Zendaya and Ariana Grande, as well as Rachel Zegler, who also faced backlash for her role as Snow White in another Disney remake.

“As women, I think we form a little protective bubble around each other, especially when we see a peer going through lots of opinions,” Bailey shared. “Sometimes the opinions of people can muddy your own thoughts. So, it’s special to have a community who’s there to say, ‘You’re amazing. We’re here for you.’” This sisterhood provided a vital buffer against the negativity.

Joyful Impact

Despite the challenges, the backlash didn’t diminish the profound joy Bailey felt in embodying Ariel. She described the experience as “very impactful to the little girl in me,” highlighting the significance of seeing herself represented on such a grand scale. Her portrayal resonated deeply, proving that representation matters.