Actress and singer Halle Bailey, who plays the lead role of Ariel in Disney’s upcoming remake of The Little Mermaid, opens up about the challenges she has faced in the role, including racist backlash. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, DDG, is drumming up more post-breakup drama. Get it all inside..
Ever since it was announced that Halle Bailey would star as Ariel in the upcoming remake of The Little Mermaid, racist trolls have been trying their best to bring her down.
In September 2022, Disney released the first official trailer for the upcoming live-action adaptation of the 1989 animated film, The Little Mermaid. The 22-year-old singer, who celebrates a birthday next month, is only the second Black woman to play a Disney princess, following Anika Noni Rose voicing Tiana in The Princess and the Frog.
On YouTube, there were over 2 million “dislikes” for The Little Mermaid trailer, and it had been viewed over 18 million times. At the time of this post, there are 3.5 million dislikes, and it has been viewed over 27 million times. Racists just hate seeing a Black woman with locs portraying the iconic character. They will just have to DEAL.
In the latest issue of The Face, she discussed her experience playing the iconic role of Ariel in Disney’s remake and revealed that she received valuable advice from her mentor, Beyoncé, who advised her to avoid reading the comments online.
The “Growin-ish” star acknowledged that news about her casting as Ariel often goes viral, but unfortunately not always for the right reasons. She expressed disappointment in the racist backlash she has faced and commented, “As a Black person, you just expect it and it’s not really a shock anymore.”
Sad, but true. Folks like to act obtuse as if racism no longer exists, but NO. It’s still very prevalent.
She emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “People don’t understand that when you’re Black, there’s this whole other community. It’s so important for us to see ourselves.”
While the racist trolls are busy hating, there are TONS of people who are super excited about her upcoming role. She opened up about the emotional impact of seeing the reaction videos on TikTok featuring young Black girls responding to the teaser for The Little Mermaid.
She said, “I was crying all night for two days, just staring at them in disbelief. It makes me feel more grateful for where I am.”
@TheFaceMagazine pic.twitter.com/gpkcqQ7k3P
— Halle (@HalleBailey) February 23, 2023
In the issue, Halle also discussed her upcoming projects, which include Blitz Bazawule’s The Color People and her debut solo album. More from her interview can be found here.
Halle’s experience playing Ariel has taught her about herself and how she wants to continue to heal through her art. Despite the racist backlash, she is grateful for the opportunity to represent Black and brown children and hopes to inspire a new generation.
A new teaser for the animated film was recently released. Get into it below:
The Little Mermaid hits theaters May 26th and we can NOT WAIT!
In other news…
A case of the “ex-files.”
DDG, Halle’s ex-boyfriend, has found a way to get himself back in the headlines for drama…again. This time, the drama involves his ex Rubi Rose.
Over the past few weeks, DDG has been making headlines for posting disrespectful subliminals aimed at his ex Halle Bailey, in connection to alleged DM screenshots with Rubi Rose. See the receipts below:
The rapper/YouTuber has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the matter, and on Friday he even released a new song titled “Way Too Petty,” which addresses the issue.
The song starts with DDG complaining about the sharing of screenshots, but he quickly moves on to reference the t-shirt controversy. You’ll recall, Halle was seen wearing a shirt that Rubi had previously worn in 2020, prompting Rubi to make a snarky comment about having “ur bitch [wear] my clothes.” DDG’s lyrics appear to mock the controversy, with lines like “this not that bitch’s t-shirt” leaving little doubt as to his opinion on the matter.
The disrespect is nauseating.
It seems that DDG just can’t help but stir up drama. Even before Halle’s highly anticipated role in The Little Mermaid was announced, DDG had a history of inserting himself into online feuds. It’s so clear how much of a drug clout really is.
Earlier this month, DDG had the Internet in a frenzy, posting subliminals that appeared to be aimed at Halle, hinting that she may have cheated on him. Check it out below:
Thankfully, Halle has paid him dust. We hope she continues to do so.
Today…
thank you gucci #guccifw23 pic.twitter.com/dvsvTTWv9J
— Halle (@HalleBailey) February 24, 2023
While DDG is at home making YouTube videos, Halle is living it up overseas. She attended GUCCI’s Fall/Winter 2023 women’s collection fashion show during Milan Fashion Week. And fab while doing so!
Photos: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
